#TI 


•*> 


LIBRARY 

tthcolotjical  Jrminavy, 

riuxcEToy,  x.  j 

No.  Case, 

No.  Shelf,  / -- 


No.  Book,  -S: 

No. 


From  the  Rev.  W.  B.  SPRAGUE,  D.D.  Sept,  1839. 


Bprg^ue  CoUeetion,  Vol, 


f 


.j:- 


A’.’ 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2015 


https://archive.org/details/historyofamerica00ashnn_2 


■ 1 . 

HISTORY 


OF  THE 


IN 


UBERIA, 


o 

FROM  DECEMBER  1821  TO  1823.. 


BY  J.*ASH1OTN. 


Compiled  from  the  Authentic  Records  of  the  Colony.^ 


WASHINGTON  CITY: 
PRINTED  BY  WAY  <&  GIDEON^ 


1626. 


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A MEMOIR 

01  tV\fe  "ETceTetions  and  Sufferings  ot  Oie 

CONNECTED  WITH  THE  OCCUPATION  OP  CAPE  MONTSERADO: 
EMBRACING  THE  PARTICULAR  HISTORY  OF  THE 
COLONY  OF  LIBERIA  FROM  DECEMBER 
1821  TO  1823. 


Nothing  among  men  is  great  or  small,  but  relatively.  Human 
pride  seldom  indeed  remembers  this  axiom  in  the  estimate  it  forms 
«)f  the  moral  worth  of  virtuous  actions.  And  experience  proves 
that  the  heart  itself  too  easily  obeys  the  absurd  prejudice  : with- 
holding the  tribute  of  its  sensibilities  from  the  loveliest  examples 
of  unobtrusive,  solitary  merit,  and  lavishing  it  with  a forced 
prodigality  on  such  instances  as  in  some  way  connect  with  them- 
selves the  accidental,  not  to  say  doubtful,  circumstance  of  a mere 
physical  magnificence.  Separate  the  pursuits  of  mankind  from 
the  considerations  of  morality,  and  their  distinctions  of  great  and 
small,  will  be  seen  to  be  as  arbitrary  and  capricious  as  the  fancies 
and  habits  of  individuals. 

I have  seen  the  well -repressed  smile  of  conscious  derision  cau- 
tiously sporting  itself  on  the  composed  features  of  a Senator  of  one 
of  the  small  republics  of  America,  while  amusing  his  leisure  with 
the  little  intrigues  of  a borough  election.  I saw  something  like  a 
reflection  of  the  same  playful  sentiment  radiating  from  the  relaxed 
brow  of  a minister  of  the  national  council,  while  attending  to  a grave 
argument  of  the  same  Senator  on  a contested  point  of  county 
jurisdiction.  The  delegate  who  figures  in  an  European  Congress, 


western  world.  And  the  most  magnificent  political  manoeuvres 
of  modern  times,  what  are  they,  if  magnitude  is  made  the  scale  of 
greatness,  in  comparison  with  the  profound  and  awful  policy 
of  Rome — beginning  in  the  darkness  of  a remote  antiquity,  and 
holding  its  even  and  mighty  course  over  the  ruins  of  thirty  gene^ 


4 


rations,  unchanged  even  by  domestic  revolutions,  until  its  proud 
consummation  was,  under  the  Cesars,  triumphantly  developed  in  the 
reduction  of  the  world  ? 

The  truth  is,  that  the  intrinsic  grandeur  of  all  human  actions 
consists  wholly  in  their  moral  character 5 and  it  is  the  share  which 
the  virtuous  heart  takes  in  those  actions,  that  after  all,  is  the  just 
measure  of  their  greatness.  It  is  this  principle  of  estimation  alone, 
which  puts  it  in  the  power  of  the  humblest  part  of  mankind  to 
equal  in  real  magnanimity  of  character,  and  absolute  grandeur  of 
exploit,  the  achievements,  and  the  moral  elevation,  of  the  proudest.  ^ 

It  is  this  scale  of  distribution,  by  which  the  benevolent  Father  of 
mankind,  divides  to  all  the  race,  the  little  stock  of  their  joys  and 
sorrows.  I will  add,  too,  that  the  first  secret  of  a virtuous  mind 
is  folded  up  in  its  wisdom  to  discern,  and  disposition  to  applaud, 
amidst  those  gilded  heaps  of  splendid  trifles  which  continually 
solicit  the  admiration  of  the  .world,  the  genuine  traits  of  moral 
greatness  in  their  least  imposing  forms. 

It  is  in  the  beautiful  light  of  a theory  so  just,  and  at  the  same 
time  so  gratifying  to  the  benevolent  heart,  that  many  of  the  readers 
of  the  following  memoir  will  delight  to  contemplate  the  genuine 
actings  of  heroic  virtue  ; of  w'hich  the  theatre  w as  too  remote  from 
tlie  observation  of  the  world,  and  the  actors  too  little  practised  in 
the  arts  of  ostentation,  to  expose  their  motives  to  the  suspicion  of 
vanity,  or  admit  of  the  agency  of  the  ordinary  stimulants  of  great 
achievements. 

To  arrive  at  the  remote  spot  on  which  these  humble  scenes  were 
transacted,  I must  tax  the  reader’s  imagination  with  a flight 
across  the  Atlantic  ocean,  which,  by  limiting  the  circle  of  his  or- 
dinary avocations,  may  hitherto  have  bounded  the  range  of  his 
liveliest  sensibilities.  I must  send  it  far  from  the  polished  and 
populous  districts  of  European,  and  Asian  refinement — beyond 
the  habitations  of  civilized  man — to  the  least  frequented  recess 
of  a coast  almost  the  least  frequented  on  the  globe.  On  this  spot, 
a handful  of  coloured  emigrants  from  the  United  States,  in  w hose 
bosoms  the  examples  of  history  had  never  kindled  the  fire  of  emu- 
lation— w^hose  only  philosophy  had  been  acquired  from  a series  of 
dispiriting  conflicts  w ith  every  form  of  physical  and  moral  adver- 
sity— and  whose  prospects,  at  that  moment,  were  as  dark  and  ap- 
palling, as  the  memory  of  the  past  was  embittered — ejected  from 
the  land  of  their  birth, — hostility,  famine  and  destruction  mena^  ^ 


5 


cing  them  in  that  of  their  adoption : such  is  the  humble  character 
of  the  individuals,  and  equally  humble  is  the  scenery  and  the  ac- 
tion, which  are  to  enliven  the  incidents  of  this  narrative. 

The  facts  are  wholly  drawn  from  the  authentic  records  of  Li- 
beria ; and  doubtless  deserve  the  connected  exposition  which  is 
intended  here  to  be  presented,  as  forming  the  only  minute  history 
yet  published,  of  the  first  and  most  interesting  period  of  that 
promising  Colony.  The  compiler  having  enjoyed  the  humble, 
honour  of  directing  the  little  phalanx  of  moral  energies  so  advan- 
tageously, and  through  the  sustaining  providence  of  Heaven,  so  tri- 
umphantly displayed,  in  the  trying  scenes  of  1822,  hesitates  net 
to  acknowledge  that  to  the  performance  of  this  little  task,  he  is 
equally  prompted  by  a sentiment  of  grateful  pride,  and  the  more 
exacting  obligations  of  a serious  duty.  The  circumstances,  some 
of  them  not  of  the  most  pleasant  nature,  which  give  its  principal 
strength  to  this  latter  motive,  it  is  entirelj'  needless  farther  to  ad- 
vert to  ; and  to  most  of  his  readers,  the  writer  owes  an  apology 
even  for  this  slight  digression. 

The  map  which  accompanies  this  statement,  is  wholly  construct- 
ed from  surveys  of  which  the  events  detailed  in  it  furnished  the 
compiler  with  the  occasion  ; and  is  believed  to  be  quite  sufficient  to 
elucidate  all  the  local  references. 

The  territory  on  which  the  first  settlement  of  the  colonists  of 
Liberia  has  been  made,  may  be  seen  to  present  the  form  of  a nar- 
row tongue,  of  twelve  leagues’  extent,  detached  from  the  main 
land,  except  by  a narrow  Isthmus,  formed  by  the  approach  of  the 
head  waters  of  the  Montserado  and  Junk  rivers.  The  northwestern 
termination  of  this  linear  tract  of  country  is  cape  Montserado, 
which,  towards  Its  extremity,  rises  to  a promontory  sufficiently  ma- 
jestic to  present  a bold  distinction  from  the  uniform  level  of  the 
coast.  Towards  the  south-east  it  is  teiminated  by  the  mouth  of 
the  Junk  river.  Centrally,  this  peninsula  is  attached  to  the  main 
land  by  the  Isthmus  just  designated  ; so  as  to  represent  the  gene- 
ral form  of  a scale-beam,  of  which,  the  point  of  attachment  answers 
to  the  pivot, — and  measured  directly  over  from  the  banks  of  the 
Junk,  or  Montserado  river,  to  the  ocean,  its  width  in  no  part  exceeds 
one  league  ; and  in  many  places  is  narrowed  down  to  half  that 
distance. 

The  present  town  of  Monrovia  is  situated  on  tlie  inland  side  of 
this  peninsula,  forms  the  W.  bank  of  the  river  Montserado,  about 


G 


two  miles  within  the  extremity  of  the  cape.  Tiie  original  settle- 
ment approached  within  150  yards  of  the  water;  and  occupied  the 
higliest  part  of  the  spinal  ridge,  which  traverses  a large  part  of  the 
peninsula,  and  rises  at  this  place  to  about  75  feet.  A dense  and 
lofty  forest  of  timber-trees,  entangled  with  vines  and  brush-wood, 
so  as  to  be  nearly  impracticable  by  any  but  the  feet  of  savages,  and 
savage  beasts,  formed  the  majestic  covering  of  a large  proportion 
of  this  tract,  when  the  territory  was  bargained  for  by  the  agents  of 
the  American  Colonization  Society,  in  December,  1821. 

Opposite  to  the  tow  n and  near  the  mouth  of  the  Montserado  liver, 
are  tw  o small  islands,  containing  together,  less  than  three  acres  of 
ground.  The  largest  of  these  islands  is  nearly  covered  with  houses 
built  in  the  native  style,  and  occupied  by  a family  of  several  hun- 
dred domestic  slaves,  formerly  the  property  of  an  English  factor, 
but  now  held,  in  a ‘state  of  qualified  vassalage,  very  common  in 
Africa,  by  a black  man  to  w hom  the  right  of  the  original  owner  has 
devolved  since  his  return  to  Europe.  Many  of  this  family,  includ- 
ing the  old  patriarch  at  their  head,  are  strangers  on  this  part  of  the 
coast,  have  no  participation  in  the  politics  of  their  neighbours, 
and  are  frequently  the  objects  of  their  jealousy, — and  till  res-  ^ 

trained  by  the  protection  of  the  American  Colony, — of  their 
oppression. 

The  tribes  of  the  neighbourhood  are,  1st,  the  Deys  ; w ho  inhabit 
the  coast  from  25  miles  to  the  northward  of  Montserado,  to  ,the 
mouth  of  the  Junk,  about  36  miles  to  the  southeastw^ard.  Conti- 
guous to  this  nation,  and  next  interior,  are,  2dly,  the  Queahs,  a 
small  and  quiet  people,  whose  country  lies  to  the  E.  of  cape 
Montserado;  and,  3dly,  the  Gurrahs,  a much  more  numerous  and 
toilsome  race  of  men  occupying  the  country  to  the  northward  of 
the  upper  parts  of  the  St.  Paul  river.  Still  further  interior  is  the 
formidable  and  w arlike  nation  of  the  Coxdoes,  w hose  name  alone 
is  the  terror  of  all  their  maritime  neighbours. 

It  is  proper,  in  this  place,  to  advert  to  a small  hamlet  placed  on 
the  beach  one  mile  to  the  northward  of  the  settlement,  belonging 
to  a people  entirely  distinct  in  origin,  language  and  characterj 
from  all  their  neighbours.  These  are  the  Kroomen,  well  known 
by  foreigners  visiting  the  coast,  as  the  watermen  and  pilots  of  the 
country.  They  originate  from  a populous  maritime  tribe,  whose 
country  is  Settra-Kroo,  near  cape  Palmas.  The  custom  of  their 
tril)e  obliges  all,  except  the  old,  the  princes  of  the  blood,  and  a 
few^  others,  to  disperse  to  difterent  parts  of  the  coast,  and  fonq  them- 


7 


selves  in  small  towns  near  every  road -stead  and  station  irequented 
by  trading  vessels;  where  they  often  remain,  unless  summoned 
home  to  assist  on  some  grand  national  occasion,  from  two  to  six, 
and  even  ten  years,  according  to  their  success  in  accumulating  a 
little  inventory  of  valuables,  with  which  their  pride  is  satisfied  to 
return  to  their  friends  and  country.  These  people  are  decidedly 
the  most  active,  enterprising,  intelligent  and  laborious  in  this  part 
of  Africa;  and  in  the  size,  strength  and  fine  muscular  proportions  of 
their  persons,  have  few  superiors,  as  a nation,  in  the  world.  The 
number  of  families  belonging  to  their  settlement  near  the  mouth  of 
the  Montserado,  scarcely  exceeds  a dozen,  and  may  comprehend 
fifty  individuals. 

The  purchase  of  the  Montserado  territory  was  effected  in  Decem- 
ber of  1821;  of  which  transaction,  a particular  account  was  pub- 
lished by  the  Colonization  Society,  a few  months  afterwards. 
The  occupation  of  the  country  by  as  many  of  the  dispersed 
American  emigrants  as  could  be  collected,  early  in  the  following 
year,  was  also  announced  by  Dr.  Ayres,  on  his  return  to  the 
United  States,  the  same  season;  and  noticed  in  the  report  of  the 
Society,  for  1823. 

I Two  small  schooners  belonging  to  the  Colony  w'ere  employed  in 
the  transportation  of  the  settlers  in  January,  1822;  in  which  ser- 
vice they  continued  to  be  occasionally  occupied,  until  the  latter 
part  of  the  following  May.  But  in  this  period  a variety  of  un- 
pleasant indications  of  the  hostile  temper  of  the  Dey  people,  fully 
demonstrating  the  insincerity  of  their  engagements  in  relation  to 
the  lands,  were  but  too  distinctly  afforded  the  settlers, 
t On  the  arrival  of  the  first  division,  consisting  chiefly  of  the  sin- 
gle men,  the  natives  positively,  and  with  menaces  of  violence,  for- 
bade their  landing.  The  smallest  of  the  two  islands  at  the  mouth 
of  the  Montserado,  had  been  obtained  by  special  purchase,  of  John 
S.  Mill,*  at  that  time  the  occupant  and  proprietor;  on  which  the 
people  and  property  were  safely  debarked,  without  any  actual  op- 
position. But  the  endeavours  of  the  agent,  either  by  the  decision 

* VI  r.  Mill,  an  African  by  birth,  and  son  of  an  English  merchant  who  owned  a 
large  trading  concern  on  the  coast,  had  enjoyed  a superior  English  education; 
was  employed  in  a respectable  capacity  in  the  colony,  in  1824,  and  died  of  a 
rapid  phthisis  pulmonalis,  July  20th,  1825.  I'he  interest  he  took  in  the  foun- 
dation of  the  Colony,  entitles  his  memory  to  the  grateful  recollection  of  its 
fiends.- 


b 


of  his  toae,  or  by  means  of  arguments  drawn  from  the  justice  qf 
his  procedure,  or  prospective  advantages  to  be  expected  from 
the  settlement,  entirely  failed  to  conciliate  their  friendship,  or 
alter  their  settled  purpose  to  expel  the  colonists  from  their  coun- 
*-'7- 

But  in  that  spirit  of  duplicity  which  has  marked  the  policy  of 
too  many  who  claim  to  be  their  superiors,  the  Chiefs  of  the  tribe 
in  a few  days,  held  out  an  offer  of  accommodation  with  the  most  im- 
posing appearances  of  sincerity  and  reason.  The  ferment  seemed 
in  a great  measure  allaj^ed;  and  the  agent  was  so  far  deluded  by 
the  stratagem,  as  to  render  it  in  the  first  instance  entirely  successful. 
Yielding  to  an  invitation  to  meet  the  country  authorities  in  a 
-friendl}’’  conference,  at  king  Peter’s  town,  he  imprudently  put 
his  person  in  their  power,  and  found  himself  a prisoner.  Having 
been  detained  several  days.  Dr.  Ayres  consented,  as  the  condition 
of  his  freedom,  to  re-accept  the  remnant  of  the  goods  which  liad 
been  advanced  the  month  preceding,  in  part  payment  for  the 
lands j but  contrived  to  evade  their  injunction  for  the  immediate 
removal  of  the  people  from  the  country,  by  alleging  the  want  of 
vessels  for  the  purpose. 

The  individuals  at  this  time  on  Perseverance  Island  did  not 
amount  to  twenty.  The  island  itself  being  a mere  artificial  for- 
mation, and  always  becalmed  by  the  high  land  of  the  Cape  which 
towers  above  it  in  the  direction  of  the  ocean,  soon  proved  itself  to 
be  a most  insalubrious  situation.  The  only  shelter  it  afforded  to 
the  people  and  stores  was  to  be  found  under  the  decayed  thatch  of 
half  a dozen  diminutive  huts,  constructed  after  the  native  manner 
of  building;  and  the  island  was  entirely  destitute  of  fresh  water 
and  firewood.  All  the  settlers  had  left  Sierra  Leone  in  a good 
state  of  health.  But  the  badness  of  the  air,  the  want  of  properly 
ventilated  houses,  and  sufticent  shelter,  with  other  circumstances 
of  their  new  situation,  soon  began  to  prey  upon  their  strength,  and 
caused  several  cases  of  intermittent  fever ; from  a course  of  which 
most  of  the  company  had  been  but  a very  few  months  recovered. 

Happily,  a secret,  ex-parte  arrangement  was,  at  this  critical 
period,  settled  with  king  George,  wtio  resided  on  the  Cape,  and 
claimed  a sort  of  jurisdiction  over  the  northern  district  of  the  pen- 
insula of  Montserado;  in  virtue  of  which  the  settlers  were  permitted 
to  pass  across  the  river,  and  commence  the  laborious  task  of 
clearing  away  the  heavy  forest  which  covered  the  site  of  tiieir  in* 


9 


tended  town. — It  may  illustrate  a trait  of  the  African  char- 
acter,  to  observe  tliattlie  consideration  which  moved  this  Chief  to 
accord  to  the  settlers  a privilege  which  has  manifestly  led  to  their 
permanent  establishment  at  Montserado,  and  the  translation  of  the 
country  to  new'  masters,  was  the  compliment  of  half  a dozen  gal- 
lons of  rum  and  about  an  equal  amount  in  African  trade-cloth, 
and  tobacco. 

Every  motive  which  interest,  increasing  sufferings,  and  even  the 
> love  of  life,  could  .supply,  at  this  moment,  animated  the  exertions 
of  this  little  band.  Their  Agent  had  left  them  to  the  temporary 
superintendence  of  one  of  their  owm  number,'*^  under  whose  coun- 
sel and  example  the  preparation  of  their  new  habitations  advanced 
so  rapidly,  as  in  a very  few  w-eeks,  to  present  the  rudiments  of  22 
<hvellings,  ranged  in  an  orderly  manner,  on  the  principal  street  of 
their  settlement. 

But  at  this  interesting  period,  when  hope  and  success  began  to 
re-assert  in  the  brightened  sphere  of  their  fortunes  a decided  ascen- 
dant, one  of  those  unforeseen  circums,tances  which  so  often  entirely 
frustrate  the  best  concerted  schemes  of  human  prudence,  and  w'arn 
mankind  of  the  supremacy  of  a divine  Providence,  suddenly  ter- 
minated the  pleasing  anticipations  of  the  settlers  in  bitter  disap- 
pointment, and  kindled  around  them  the  flame  of  w’ar. 

• A small  vessel,  prize  to  an  English  cruiser,  bound  to  Sierra 
Leone  wdth  about  30  liberated  Africans,  put  into  the  roads  for  a 
supply  of  whaler,  and  had  the  misfortune  to  part  her  cable  and  come 
ashore,  within  a short  distance  of  Perseverance  Island.  In  this 
state  she  was  in  a few  hours,  beat  to  fragments  by  the  action  of  a 
heavy  surf. — The  natives  pretend  to  a prescriptive  right  which  in- 
terest never  fails  to  enforce  in  its  utmost  extent,  to  seize  and  ap- 
propriate the  w recks  and  cargoes  of  vessels  stranded,  under  what- 
ever circumstances,  on  their  coast.  The  English  schooner  having 
drifted  upon  the  main  land  about  one  mile  from  the  extremity  of 
the  cape,  and  a small  distance  below  George’s  town,  w'as  imme- 
diately claimed  as  his  property.  His  people  rushed  to  the  beach 
W'ith  their  arms,  to  sustain  this  claim;  and  attempting  to  board  the 
wTeck,  were  fired  upon  by  the  prize  master  and  compelled  to  de- 
sist. In  the  mean  time  the  aid  of  the  settlers  was  sent  for;  which, 
from  an  opinion  of  the  extreme  danger  of  their  English  visitants, 

♦Frederick  James,  who  now  holds  in  the  municipal  government  of  th^ 
Colony,  a situation  of  the  very  first  respectability. 

2 


lu 


they  immediately  afforded.  A boat  was  instantly  manned,  and 
despatched  to  their  relief ; and  a brass  field  piece  stationed  on  tlie 
island,  brought  to  bear  upon  the  assailants.  The  latter  then 
hastily  retired  to  their  town,  which  was,  like  most  African  ham- 
lets, closely  environed  by  an  ancient  growth  of  trees,  with  the  loss 
of  two  of  their  number  killed  and  several  disabled.  The  English 
officer,  his  crew  and  the  Africans,  were  brought  oft’ in  safety j but 
suffered  the  total  loss  of  their  vessel,  with  most  of  the  stores  and 
othet  property  on  board  of  her. 

But  owing  to  some  very  culpable  neglect  on  the  part  of  the  per- 
sons who  served  the  field  piece  on  this  occasion,  the  fire  was  com- 
municated from  the  fusee,  to  the  thatch  roof  of  the  store-house  con- 
taining the  provisions,  arms,  ammunition,  merchandise,  and  other 
public  property  of  the  Colony.  The  powder,  a few  casks  of  pro- 
visions, and  a scanty  supply  of  other  stores,  were  providentially 
rescued,  through  the  timely  exertions  of  the  people.  But  proper- 
ty amounting  to  near  three  thousand  dollars,  assorted  for  the  settle- 
ment, and  all  of  the  first  necessity,  was  consumed ! 

The  country  people  disappointed  of  the  valuable  tempting  booty, 
which,  in  imagination  they  had  appropriated  by  anticipation, 
manifestly,  in  consequence  of  the  presence  and  interference  of  the 
settlers,  became  as  will  be  readily  supposed,  exasperated  against^ 
them  to  the  highest  pitch  of  hostility.  The  sight  of  their  dead  and 
wounded  countrymen  completed  the  measure  of  their  irritation  ; 
and  fiercely  excited  in  their  minds  a savage  thirst  of  vengeance. 
Nothing  but  the  dread  of  opposing  the  great  guns  of  the  Islanders 
could,  at  this  moment,  have  restrained  them  from  opening  upon 
them  volleys  of  musketry,  from  the  opposite  bank  of  the  river  5 
which,  had  it  been  continued  for  any  length  of  time,  could  scarcely 
have  failed  to  prove  in  a high  degree  destructive.  But  seldom 
venturing  near  enough  to  give  the  least  precision  to  their  fire, 
they  were  always  sure,  on  delivering  it,  to  retire  with  the  utmost 
precipitation  to  the  deepest  part  of  the  forest,  before  they  could  col- 
lect sufficient  assurance  to  reload  their  pieces:  and  a single  dis- 
charge of  a four  or  six  pounder  before  they  had  evaded  the  range  of 
its  shot,  seldom  failed  to  put  an  end  to  their  insolence  for  the  re- 
mainder of  the  day. 

But  in  this  mockery  of  ordinary  warfare,  it  is  to  be  observed, 
that  no  combination  of  the  tribes — not  even  an  union  of  the  forces 

the  smallest  suigle  tribe  of  the  country,  had  taken  place, 


11 


King  George’s  warriors,  scarcely  numbering'  20  men,  were  the 
only  individuals  who  had  presumed  to  go  to  the  length  of  open 
hostilities.  And  in  this  procedure  they  could  justify  themselves 
to  the  country  authorities  only  on  the  ground  of  self-defence.  A 
war,  among  the  tribes  of  this  country,  to  be  legal,  must  have  been 
resolved  upon  in  a general  assembly  of  their  chiefs  ; unless  delibe* 
ration  and  delay  are  precluded,  as  in  the  present  case,  by  an  ap- 
parent necessity  of  self  protection.  Such  an  assembly  not  having 
been  at  this  time  convoked,  the  actual  danger  to  which  the  settlers 
were  exposed,  was  wholly  confined  to  the  south,  or  king  George’s 
side  of  the  Montserado  river.  But  as  the  settlers  were  obliged  to 
derive  their  whole  supply  of  fresh  water  from  this  bank — particu- 
larly as  the  site  of  the  town  which  they  had  eagerly  designated 
tor  their  future  residence,  and  made  some  progress  in  preparing, 
occupied  the  height  overlooking  their  enemy’s  town — ^they  were 
subjected  to  various  inconveniences,  and  obliged  entirely  to  dis- 
continue their  principal  work  The  frames  of  their  unfinished 
dwellings  were  thrown  down ; and  several  petty  insults  of  a like 
nature  inflicted  upon  them,  which  they  had  no  power  to  prevent. 
But  the  wakeful  activity  of  their  savage  enemy  soon  caused  them  to 
deplore  a more  melancholy  proof  of  his  power  to  injure  them. 

A boat,  strongly  manned  and  armed,  had  proceeded  to  the  dis- 
tance of  nearly  three  miles  above  the  Island,  on  the  morning  of 
the  27th  of  March,  for  a supply  of  water.  It  was  discovered, 
half  an  hour  afterwards,  that  King  George’s  warriors  had  also  passed 
lip  the  river  by  land,  evidently  with  the  intention  of  attacking  the 
boat’s  crew.  A second  boat  was  then  despatched  to  overtake,  and, 
in  case  of  necessity,  support  the  first.  Several  of  the  English,  sea- 
men, conducted  by  their  office?*,  had,  with  their  usual  promptitude 
on  such  occasions,  volunteered  their  attendance.  The  bank  of  the 
Montserado  was  at  that  time  entirely  covered,  the  whole  distance 
which  the  boats  had  to  ascend  it,  with  heavy  trees j and  in  several 
places,  is  nearly  overhung  with  precipitous  rocks  of  very  broken 
appearance,  and  enormous  size.  Tlie  boats  had  proceeded  without 
any  discovery  of  their  enemy  to  the  watering-place — filled  their 
casks  and  put  off  from  the  shore  on  their  return,  when  the  firing 
commenced.  The  boats  had  just  entered  the  upper  end  of  the 
narrow  reach  formed  by  the  south  line  of  Bank  Island  and  the 
main  land.  As  nothing  could  have  been  affected  by  a show  to 
resistance  against  a concealed  enemy,  the  boats  could  do  little 


1 


12 

more  than  hold  the  opposite  shore  as  closely  as  possible,  and  make 
the  best  of  their  way  down  the  river.  The  tire  was  renewed,  at 
all  the  different  angles  and  projections  of  the  bank  which  allowed 
the  foe  to  approach  under  cover  of  the  rocks  and  trees,  sufficiently 
near  the  boat  channel  of  the  river.  It  is  to  be  presumed  they 
suffered  nothing  in  this  unequal  skirmish  ; while  on  board  of  the 
boats  one  colonist*  and  an  English  seaman,  were  mortally  wound- 
ed— and  two  other  persons  slightly  injured. 

These  occurrences  could  not  fail  to  diffuse  a spirit  of  fervid  ex- 
citement throughout  the  Dey  tribe.  The  fatal  consequences  likely 
to  follow  the  admission  into  their  country  of  civilized  strangers — 
strangers  whom  they  had  learnt  to  be  entirely  adverse  to  the  slave- 
trade — formed  the  topic  of  violent  and  exaggerated  declamation, 
by  nearly  all  whose  interest,  fears,  or  prejudices  were  concerned 
in  their  expulsion.  Old  King  Peter,  the  venerable  patriarch  of  the 
nation,  was  capitally  impeached  and  brought  to  trial  on  a charge 
of  betraying  the  interests  of  his  subjects  by  selling  their  country. 
The  accusation  was  substantiated 5 and  it  was  for  some  time  doubt- 
ful whether  the  punishment  annexed  by  the  laws  and  usages  of  all 
nations,  to  high  treason,  would  not  be  carried  into  execution 
against  a king  to  whom  they  had  been  accustomed  to  render 
obedience  for  more  than  thirty  years. 

The  settlers  were  particularly  embarrassed  by  their  uncertainty 
as  to  the  actual  connexion  subsisting  between  their  neighbours  of 
the  larger  island,  and  their  enemy.  Ba  Caia,  who  was  at  the 
head  of  the  former,  had  constantly  held  forth  the  most  friendly 
professions;  and  at  this  time,  by  secretly  supplying  them  with  fuel 
and  water,  gave  a more  substantial  proof  than  ever,  of  their  sin- 
cerity. But  his  plantations  and  numerous  detached  bodies  of  his 
people,  were  entirely  exposed  to  the  power  of  the  Deys,  with 
whom  it  was  of  the  first  necessity  for  him  to  maintain  an  amicable 
correspondence.  Hence  he  came  unavoidably  to  incur  the  suspi- 
cions of  the  colonists,  who,  from  the  proximity  of  this  town,  could 
at  any  hour  lay  it  in  ashes.  Ba  Caia  had,  for  many  years,  sus- 
tained himself  in  his  unprotected  and  delicate  situation  by  means 
of  a fortunate  alliance  with  king  Boatswain,!  one  of  the  most  fa- 

♦ Wiley  Jones,  from  Petersburg,  Va.  who  expired  on  the  18th  of  April. 

■f  Boatswain  is  a native  of  Shebar.  In  his  youth  he  had  served  in  some 
menial  capacity  on  board  of  an  English  merchant  vessel,  where  he  acquired 
the  name  which  he  still  retains,  His  personal  qualifications  are  of  the  most 


13 


U10U3  and  powerful  chiefs  of  the  Condoes.  Boatswain's  powclf 
had  been  often  felt  by  the  maritime  tribes,  and  the  most  convinc- 
ing proofs  of  it  were  continually  given  in  his  bloody  wars  in  tlie 
interiour.  He  had  thus  been  long  acquiring  a general  influence, 
which  gave  him,  even  in  the  affairs  of  his  neighbours,  an  authority 
little  short  of  dictatorial.  To  this  powerful  ally,  the  old  man  now 
had  recourse ; who,  with  the  promptitude  which  distinguishes  all 
his  movements,  immediately  made  his  appearance  on  the  Montsera- 
do,  not,  as  he  said,  to  pronounce  sentence^  between  the  coast  peo- 
ple and  the  strangers,  but  to  do  justice : and  he  had  actually 
brought  along  with  him  a force  sufficient  to  carry  his  decisions  into 
immediate  effect.  But  the  Deys,  how^ever  stung  by  this  insolence, 
were  not  in  a situation  to  resent  it. 

The  Agents  who  had  been  absent  from  the  Cape  since  the  com- 
mencement of  these  trying  events,  now'  rejoined  the  settlers  on 
the  island.  Boatsw  ain  having  by  a direct  exertion  of  authority, 
convoked  the  head-chiefs  of  the  neighbourhood,  sent  for  the  Agents 
and  principal  settlers,  to  come  and  explain  the  nature  of  their 
claims  on  the  country,  and  to  set  forth  their  grievances.  They 
complained  of  the  ‘ bad  faith  of  the  Deys  in  w ithholding  the  posses- 
sion of  lands  which  they  had  sold  to  the  Colonists^  and  of  the  in- 
jurious acts  of  hostility  committed  by  king  George,  apparently 
with  the  consent  of  his  superiors.’  A desultory  and  noisy  discus- 
sion followed,  in  which  the  savage  umpire  disdained  to  take  any 
part  w'hatever.  But  having  ascertained  the  prominent  facts  of 
the  case,  he  at  length  arose,  and  put  an  end  to  the  assembly  by 
laconically  remarking  to  the  Deys,  “ That  having  sold  their 
country,  and  accepted  the  payment  in  part,  they  must  take  the 

commanding  description  ; and  to  them  he  appears  wholly  indebted  for  his 
present  notoriety.  To  a stature  approaching  seven  feet  in  height,  perfectly 
erect,  muscular,  and  finely  proportioned — a countenance  noble,  intelligent, 
and  full  of  animation — he  unites  great  comprehension  and  activity  of  mind, 
and,  what  is  still  more  imposing,  a savage  loftiness  and  even  grandeur  of  sen- 
timent— forming  altogether,  an  assemblage  of  qualities,  ob\nously  dispropor- 
tioned  to  the  actual  sphere  of  his  ambition.  He  is  prodigal  of  every  thing 
except  the  means  of  increasing  the  terror  of  his  name.  “ I give  you  a bul- 
lock,” said  he  to  an  agent  of  the  Society,  “ not  to  be  considered  as  Boat^ 
swain’s  present,  but  for  your  breakfast.”  To  his  friend  Ba  Caia,  he  once  sent, 
“King  B.  is  your  friend:  he  therefore  advises  you  to  lose  not  a moment  in 
providing  yourself  plenty  of  pow  der  and  ball — or,  in  three  days  (the  least  time 
possible  to  make  the  journey)  let  me  see  my  fugitive  woman  again.” 


14 


consequences.  Their  refusal  of  the  balance  of  the  purchase  mo- 
nej,  did  not  annul,  or  affect  the  bargain.  Let  the  Americans 
have  their  lands  immediately.  Whoever  is  not  satisfied  with  my 
decision,  let  him  tell  me  so!”  Then,  turning  to  the  Agents,  “ 1 
promise  you  protection.  If  these  people  give  you  further  distur- 
bance, send  for  me.  And  I swear,  if  they  oblige  me  to  come 
again  to  quiet  them,  I will  do  it  to  purpose,  by  taking  their  heads 
from  their  shoulders;  as  I did  old  king  George’s,  on  my  last  visit 
to  the  coast,  to  settle  disputes.” 

Whatever  might  be  thought  of  the  equity  of  this  decision,  there 
was  but  one  sentiment  as  to  the  necessity  of  acquiescing  in  it. 
The  usual  inte^'change  olf  friendly  presents  between  the  parties, 
then  took  place  ; and  the  settlers  immediately  resumed  their  la- 
bours on  the  Cape.  , 

That  guardian  Providence  which  has  so  graciously  made  the 
protection  of  this  infant  settlement,  in  every  stage,  the  object  of 
its  tenderest  care,  has  in  few  instances  been  more  conspicuous,, 
than  in  thus  employing  the  ill-gotten  power  of  an  ambitious  stran- 
ger in  theinteriour  of  Africa,  to  deliver  the  C olonists,  at  a moment 
when  hostilities  v/ould  have  defeated  their  object,  from  the  machi- 
nations of  their  treacherous  neighbours.  To  render  this  interpo- 
sition the  more  remarkable,  it  had  actually  proceeded  to  the 
length  of  removing  the  principal  obstacles  to  the  pacification  of 
the  Deys,  almost  without  an  eftbrt  on  the  part  of  the  settlers,  and 
entirely  without  the  knowledge,  or  the  presence,  of  either  of 
the  Agents.  There  w’ould  be  a degree  of  impiety  in  repressing  in 
the  breast  the  sentiment  of  religious  recognition,  which  a single 
dispensation  of  so  impressive  a character  is  fitted  to  excite.  But 
it  must  be  perceived,  in  the  progress  of  this  narrative,  that  every 
instance  of  extraordinary  providential  deliverance  and  protection^ 
borrows  a more  aftecting  lustre  from  the  reflected  light  of  many 
others. 

On  the  28tli  of  April,  the  ceremony  of  taking  possession  of  the 
Cape  and  country  w^as  performed,  with  probably  the  eftect  of 
adding  a fresh  excitement  to  the  zeal  of  the  people.  But,  shall 
WQ.  most  deplore,  or  admire  in  human  nature,  that  weakness  which 
can  so  easily  mistake  the  present  visions  of  hope,  for  the  prophe- 
cies of  futurity?  On  the  very  spot  which  was  gladdened  with 
the  felicitations  of  this  occasion,  some  who  were  the  objects  of 
them,  were  soon,  alas ! to  pour  out  their  lives  through  the  wounds 


15 


received  in  a doubtful  contest  for  that  very  occupation  wliich  they 
had  so  blindly  anticipated ! 

But  shortly  after  tliis  formality,  a proof  of  a much  more  signifi- 
cant and  substantial  nature,  was  afforded  by  the  people,  of  the 
entire  sincerity  of  every  former  profession  of  attachment  to  the 
country  of  their  adoption. 

Tlie  houses  were  yet  destitute  of  roofs,  for  which  the  material 
was  to  be  sought  in  the  almost  impracticable  swamps  of  the  coun- 
try— the  rainy-season-tornadoes  had  already  commenced — the  Isl- 
and, if  much  longer  occupied  by  all  the  Colonists,  must  prove  the 
grave  of  many — sickness  was  beginning  to  be  prevalent;  and  both 
the  Agents  w ere  among  the  sufferers — the  store  of  provisions  w as 
scanty,  and  all  other  stores  nearly  exhausted  I The  threatening 
storm  of  native  hostility  had  been,  for  a moment,  averted — but 
the  very  circumstances  attending  the  dispersion  of  the  cloud, 
proved  how  suddenly  and  how  easily  it  might  re-collect  its  fuiyi 
Under  these  circumstances,  deliberately  surveyed,  it  required  a 
very  large  share  of  operative  confidence  in  the  providence  of  the 
Most  High,  not  to  have  yielded  to  the  discouragement  they  so 
strongly  tended  to  create:  and  it  is  not  to  be  admired,  that  the 
Agent  should  have  come  forwurd  with  a proposal  to  re-embark  the 
settlers  and  stores,  and  convey  them  back  to  Sierra  Leone.  But 
from  this  proposal  a large  majority  of  the  people  entirely  dissent- 
ed; and  it  w^as  urged  no  farther.  And  could  w^e  estimate  events 
according  to  their  intrinsic  importance,  independently  of  their 
disguising  or  concealing  circumstances,  that  interesting  moment 
would  doubtless  form  the  era,  wdience  the  real  occupation  of  Africa 
ought  to  date;  and  \vhich  deserves  its  annual  celebration,  as  long 
as  the  Colony  shall  afford  an  asylum  to  the  oppressed  strangers  of 
Africa.  For  the  little  band  w ho  embraced,  under  prospects  so  re- 
plete with  the  most  appaling  difficulties  and  dangers,  the  resolu- 
tion of  remaining  on  the  Montserado,  how^ever  abandoned,  gave  in 
the  very  act,  the  best  pledge  in  their  power  to  offer, — a pledge  in 
which  their  property,  their  health,  their  families,  and  their  lives 
wrere  included,  to  find  for  themselves,  and  tlieir  brethern,  a home 
in  Africa.  And  it  is  a pledge,  1 add,  w'hich  an  approving  Provi- 
dence has  since  enabled  them,  at  the  expense  of  some  blood,  and 
many  severe  toils,  triumphantly  to  redeem. 

Mr.  Wiltberger,  the  Society’s  assistant  Agent,  consented  to 
await  with  the  people,  the  return  of  the  schooner  from  another 


16 


trip  to  the  windward.  But  the  number  of  the  settlers,  small  at 
brst,  was  yet  farther  reduced  by  the  departure  along  with  Dr. 
Ayres,  of  a small  number  who  had  embraced  his  proposal.  Ex- 
clusive of  the  women  and  children  and  four  native  Africans,  the 
little  force  remaining  numbered  21  persons  capable  of  bearing^ 
arms. 

The  settled  rains  of  the  season  now  set  in  with  uncommon  vio- 
lence: and  the  struggles  and  hardships  encountered  by  this 
houseless,  but  persevering  band,  ai-e  not  easily  to  be  imagined. 
But  before  the- last  of  May,  several  families  had  removed  and 
taken  up  their  residence  on  tlie  Peninsula,*  a store-house  sufficient 
to  contain  their  stores  was  built  of  good  materials;  and  a small 
frame  house  finished  for  the  Agent. 

In  the  second  Aveek  of  July,  the  Island  was  finally  evacuated, 
and  all  were  happily  re-united,  each  in  his  own  humble  dwelling, 
on  the  spot  where  they  have  since  remained.  The  Agents  had  in 
the  interim  both  embarked  on  board  of  the  only  public  schooner  fit 
for  service,  and  sailed  for  the  United  States.  The  settlement  was 
left  under  the  supervision  of  one  of  the  emigrants,*  who  acquitted 
himself  of  the  charge  w ith  entire  credit,  and  at  the  present  time 
enjoys  in  the  municipal  government  one  of  the  most  respectable 
situations  in  the  gift  of  the  people. 

It  wull  be  readily  perceived  that  no  part  of  the  provisions  neces- 
sary for  the  consumption  of  the  settlers  in  the  present  season, 
could  be  draw'll  from  the  produce  of  the  soil.  Vessels  seldom 
appear  on  the  coasts  betw  een  the  months  of  May  and  November; 
and  as  the  event  proved,  nothing  in  that  period  could  be  pur- 
chased from  abroad.  The  most  economical  management  of  the 
stores  on  hand,  could  not  make  them  last  more  than  half  the  sea- 
son of  the  rains;  and  the  natives  treacherously  waiting  the  depar- 
ture of  Boatsw'ain  into  the  interiour,  and  the  disappearance  of  the 
little  armed  schooner,  belonging  to  the  colony,  on  her  voyage  for 
the  United  States,  replaced  themselves  in  an  attitude  of  incipient 
hostility,  and  prohibited  the  conveyance  of  supplies  to  the  Colony 
out  of  the  surrounding  country.  To  add  if  possible  to  the  dark 
and  desperate  prospects  of  the  settlers,  the  stores  in  their  posses- 
sion had  been  reported  to  the  managers  at  home,  as  nearly  equal  to 
a twelvemonth’s  consumption.  But  the  eye  of  God  was  upon 
them.  His  providence  w as  again  intei  posed  for  then’  preserv'ation. 

* Elijah  Johnson,  froin  New-York,  in  1820 


17 


The  Government  of  the  United  States  having  a number  of 
Africans  in  the  custody  of  the  marshal  of  Georgia,  who  had  been 
liberated  a few  months  previously,  from  the  hold  of  a slave-vessel, 
by  the  operation  of  the  benevolent  law  of  1819,  determined  at 
this  time  on  the  transportation  of  them  to  their  native  country.  A 
vessel  was  chartered  for  this  service  in  Baltimore;  on  boafd  of 
which  37  persons,  under  the  patronage  of  the  Colonization  Society, 
were  also  embarked,  with  a moderate  supply  of  stores  for  the  setr 
tlement. 

This  expedition  was  committed  tr»  the  direction  of  Mr.  J.  Ash- 
mun,  who,  in  the  expectation  of  aiding  a good  work  to  which 
much  of  his  time  and  labour  had  been  already  devoted  in  th«5 
United  States,  had  consented  to  accept  from  the  Society  a com- 
mission for  the  voyage.  Under  an  arrangement  for  returning  in 
the  same  vessel,  he  had  yielded  to  the  alfectionate  solicitude  of  his 
lady  to  accompany  him.  This  vessel,  the  brig  ‘‘  Strong,”  of  Bal- 
timore, sailed  from  Hamp+on  Roads  on  the  26th  of  May;  but  prov- 
ing a most  indifferent  sailor,  did  not  arrive  in  the  offing  of  Fayal, 
one  of  the  western  islands,  before  the  26th  of  June.  Having  at 
this  island  repaired  the  injury  sustained  in  a very  severe  and  pro- 
tracted gale,  and  refreshed  the  already  exhausted  passengers,  she 
sailed  again  on  tlie  3d  of  July,  and  anchored  under  Cape  Montsera- 
do  on  the  8th  of  August.  Of  55  passengers  not  an  individual  had 
suffered  from  indisposition  on  the  last  half  of  this  tedious  voyage. 

The  following  day,  on  communicating  with  the  shore,  Mr.  Ash- 
mun  found,  equally  to  his  astonishment  and  regret,  that  both  the 
Agents  had  taken  their  departure  from  the  country — that  the  public 
property,  as  already  related,  had  been  chiefly  consumed  by  fire — 
and  that  the  immediate  prospects  of  the  settlers,  precarious  before 
on  account  of  their  numerical  weakness  in  the  midst  of  barbarous 
nations,  was  but  little  improved  by  an  accession  of  numbers,  with- 
out a proportional  increase  of  the  means  of  subsisting  them.  It 
was  now  the  height  of  the  rainy  season;  but  not  even  a thatch 
roof  was  to  be  found  not  in  the  occupancy  of  the  settlers — some  of 
whom  were  still  very  insufficiently  sheltered  themselves.  Houses 
were  therefore  to  be  built  for  the  reception  of  the  emigrants  before 
they  could  be  safely  landed  ; and  a secure  store-house  completed 
before  it  was  possible  to  discharge  the  transport. 

Mr.  Ashmun  found  himself  constrained,  by  the  pledge  he  had 
given  the  Board  of  Managers,  to  render  the  Colony  whatever  aid 
3 


18 


might  be  in  his  power,  and  by  every  motive  which  humanity  could 
supply,  to  take  charge  of  the  Colony,  and  convert  its  slender  re- 
sources, whether  for  the  protection  or  subsistence  of  the  people,  to 
the  best  account.  A large  store-house  was  accordingly  laid 
off,  and  the  only  practicable  preparations  made,  during  the  9th, 
for  landing  the  passengers.  But  in  the  morning  of  the  same  day, 
the  brig  having  unfortunately  parted  a cable,  was  obliged  to  throw 
out  the  only  remaining  anchor  on  board ; by  which  she  was  lying 
when  the  Agent  returned  on  board  in  the  evening. 

But,  at  day  light  on  the  10th, the  watch  gave  the  alarming  inteK 
ligence  that  the  cable  had  again  parted,  and  the  best  bower  anchor 
gone  ! The  vessel  was  lying  two  cables’  length  from  the  beach, 
and  a strong  breeze  blew  directly  on  shore.  But  the  current 
from  the  river  favouring  at  the  moment,  the  vessel  was,  by  the 
prompt  exertions  of  an  active  crew,  got  under  sail  in  time  to  save 
her  from  immediate  destruction  ; and  by  being  brought  close  to 
the  wind  was  enabled  to  make  good  a course  parallel  with  that 
part  of  the  coast.  The  passengers,  to  the  number  of  51,  were 
still  on  board.  The  brig’s  boats  could  not  land  ten  persons  at  a 
trip  ; and  after  struggling  for  48  hours  to  get  to  windward,  the 
vessel  was  found  to  be  land-locked  completely,  within  the  project- 
ing promontories  of  Capes  Montserado  and  Mount.  The  reader  in 
the  least  acquainted  with  nautical  affairs  may  conjecture  the 
probable  fate  both  of  the  vessel  and  passengers.  But  Providence 
again  interposed  for  the  preservation  of  both.  A small  anchor 
was  recovered  by  the  assistance  of  the  boats,  by  Mdiich  the  brig 
was  again  moored  in  the  road-stead ; but  at  the  distance  of  5 miles 
from  the  settlement.  The  people  were  safely  landed  on  the  13th 
and  14th;  but  owing  to  the  prevalence  of  boisterous  weather,  the 
loss  of  the  principal  boat  employed  in  the  service,  and  the  sicken- 
ing of  The  boatmen,  it  became  a work  of  the  most  severe  and  diffi- 
cult nature,  to  bring  her  cargo  to  land.  In  the  Colonial  Journal 
of  this  period,  several  instances  are  met  with  in  which  the  only 
boat  that  could  be  employed  in  this  business,  was  carried  twenty 
miles  out  to  sea  by  the  force  of  the  currents,  and  returned  at  the 
end  of  24  hours,  without  having  been  able  to  approach  within  a 
league  of  the  brig  ! But  after  four  weeks  of  incessant  exertion, 
the  Agent  enjoyed  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  the  passengers  and 
property  all  safe  ashore  $ the  latter  secured  in  an  extensive  store*- 


19 


house  ; and  most  of  the  former  in  a good  measure  protected  from 
the  incessant  rains  of  that  inclement  season. 

In  the  mean  time  the  Agent  had  lost  not  a moment  in  ascertain- 
ing the  external  relations  of  the  settlement,  and  the  temper  of  its 
neighbours.  He  immediately  proceeded  to  visit  the  most  consid- 
erable of  the  kings  5 whom  he  thought  it  safe  to  bind  to  a pacific 
policy,  by  encouraging  them  to  open  a trade  with  the  Colony — by 
forming  with  them  new  amicable  alliances — and  receiving  the  sons 
and  subjects  of  as  many  as  possible  to  instruct  in  the  language 
and  arts  of  civilization.  But  it  could  not  escape  observation  tha  ' 
under  these  smooth  and  friendly  appearances,  lurked  a spirit  of 
determined  malignity,  which  only  waited  for  an  opportunity  to 
exert  itself  for  the  ruin  of  the  infant  Colony.  So  early  as  the 
18th  of  August,  the  present  Martello  tower  was  therefore  planned^ 
a company  of  labourers  employed  by  the  Agent,  in  clearing  the 
ground  on  which  it  stands;  and  a particular  survey  taken  of  the 
military  strength  and  means  of  the  settlers.  Of  the  native 
Americans,  27,  when  not  sick,  were  able  to  bear  arms  ; but  they 
were  wholly  untrained  to  their  use; and  capable  in  their  present  un- 
disciplined state  of  making  but  a very  feeble  defence  indeed.  There 
were  40  muskets  in  store,  which,  with  repairing,  were  capable  of 
being  rendered  serviceable.  Of  1 brass,  and  5 iron  guns  attach- 
ed to  the  settlement,  the  last  only  was  fit  for  service,  and  four  of 
the  former  required  carriages.  Several  of  these  were  nearly  bu- 
lled in  the  mud,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river.  Not  a yard  of 
abattis,  or  other  fence-work,  had  been  constructed.  There  was  no 
fixed  ammunition,  nor,  without  great  difficulty  and  delay,  was  it 
possible  to  load  th?  only  gun  w hich  was  provided  with  a sufficient 
carriage. 

It  was  soon  perceived  that  the  means  as  well  as  an  organized 
system  of  defence  were  to  be  originated,  without  either  the  ma- 
terials or  the  artificers  usually  considered  necessary  for  such  pur- 
poses. In  the  organization  of  the  men,  thirteen  African  youths 
attached  to  the  United  States’  Agency,  most  of  wffiom  had  never 
loaded  a musket,  were  enrolled  in  the  lieutenant’s  corps,  and  daily 
exercised  in  the  use  of  arms.  The  guns  were,  one  after  another, 
with  infinite  labour,  transported  over  the  river,  conveyed  to  the 
height  of  the  peninsula,  and  mounted  on  rough  truck  carriages, 
which  in  the  event  proved  to  answer  a very  good  purpose.  A 
master  of  ordnance  was  appointed,  who,  with  his  assistants,  re- 


20 


paired  the  small  arms — made  up  a quantity  of  fixed  ammunitloiif 
and  otherwise  aided  in  arranging  the  details  of  the  service. 

The  little  town  was  closely  environed,  except  on  the  side  of 
the  river,  with  the  heavy  forest  in  the  bosom  of  which  it  was  situ- 
ated— thus  giving  to  a savage  enemy  an  important  advantage  of 
which  it  became  absolutely  necessary  to  deprive  him,  by  enlarging- 
to  the  utmost,  the  cleared  space  about  the  buildings.  This  labour 
was  immediately  undertaken,  and  carried  on  Avithout  any  other 
intermission,  than  that  caused  by  sickness  of  the  people,  and  the 
interruption  of  other  duties  equally  connected  with  the  safety  of 
the  place.  But  the  rains  were  immoderate  and  nearly  constant. 

In  addition  to  these  fatiguing  labours,  was  that  of  maintaining 
the  nightly  watch; — which,  from  the  number  of  sentinels  neces- 
sary for  the  common  safety,  shortly  became  more  exhausting  than 
all  the  other  burdens  of  the  people.  No  less  than  20  individuals 
were  every  night  detailed  for  this  duty,  after  the  31st  of  August. 

At  the  commencement  of  the  third  week  after  his  arrival,  the 
Agent  was  attacked  Avith  fever — and  three  days  afterwards  expe- 
rienced the  greater  calamity  of  perceiving  the  health  of  his  wife 
assailed  ith  symptoms  of  a still  more  alarming  character. 

The  sickness  from  this  period  made  a rapid  progress  among  the 
last  dh  ision  of  emigrants.  On  the  1st  of  September  12  were 
wholly  disabled.  The  burdens  thus  thrown  upon  their  brethren 
accelerated  the  work  of  the  climate  so  rapidly,  that  on  the  10th 
of  this  month,  of  the  whole  expedition,  only  two  remained  fit  for 
any  kind  of  service.  The  Agent  was  enabled,  by  a merciful  dis- 
pensation of  Divine  Providence,  to  maintain  a difficult  struggle 
with  his  disorder  for  four  weeks;  in  which  period,  after  a night  of 
delirium  and  suffering,  it  Avas  not  an  unusual  circumstance  for 
him  to  be  able  to  spend  an  entire  morning  in  laying  off'  and  di- 
recting the  execution  of  the  public  works. 

King  George  abandoned  his  town  on  the  Cape,  about  the  1st  of 
September;  and  conveyed  all  his  people  and  moveables  tOAvards 
the  head  waters  of  the  Junk  river,  at  about  6 leagues  distance. 
The  intercourse  between  the  other  people  of  the  tribe  and  the  set- 
tlement had  nearly  terminated;  and  the  native  youths,  Avhose  resi- 
dence on  the  Cape  had  been  regarded  as  the  best  security  of  the 
good  conduct  of  the  tribe,  were  daily  deserting,  in  consequence,  as 
it  was  ascertained,  of  secret  intelligence  conveyed  them  by  their 
friends. 


21 


Tiie  plan  of  defence  adopted  was  to  station  five  heavy  guns  ^ 
the  different  angles  of  a triangle  which  should  circumscribe  thn 
whole  settlement — each  of  the  angles  resting  on  a point  of  ground, 
sufficiently  commanding  to  enfilade  two  sides  of  the  triangle,  and 
sweep  a considerable  extent  of  ground  beyond  the  lines.  The 
guns  at  these  stations  were  to  be  covered  by  musket  proof  triangu-* 
lar  stockades,  of  which  any  two  should  be  sufficient  to  contain  all 
the  settlers  in  their  wings.  The  brass  piece  and  two  swivels  mount- 
ed on  travelling  carriages,  were  stationed  in  the  centre,  ready  to 
support  the  post  which  might  be  exposed  to  the  heaviest  attack. 
After  completing  these  detached  works,  it  was  in  the  intention  of 
the  Agent,  had  the  enemy  allowed  the  time,  to  join  all  together  by  a 
paling  to  be  carried  quite  around  the  settlement ; — and  in  the  event 
of  a yet  longer  respite,  to  carry  on,  as  rapidly  as  possible,  under 
the  protection  of  the  nearest  fortified  point,  the  construction  of 
the  Martello  tower;  which,  as  soon  as  completed,  would  nearly 
supersede  all  the  other  works;  and  by  presenting  an  impregnable' 
barrier  to  the  success  of  any  native  force,  probably  become  the  in- 
strument of  a general  and  permanent  pacification.  Connected 
with  these  measures  ot  safety,  was  the  extension  to  the  utmost,  of 
the  cleared  space  about  the  settlement,  still  leaving  the  trees 
and  brushwood,  after  being  separated  from  their  trunks,  to  spread 
the  ground  with  a tangled  hedge,  through  which  nothing  should 
be  able  to  make  its  way,  except  the  shot  from  the  batteries. 

.This  plan  was  fully  communicated  to  the  most  intelligent  of  the 
people  ; which,  in  the  event  of  the  disability  or  death  of  the 
Agent,  they  might,  it  was  hoped,  so  far  carry  into  effect  as  to  en- 
sure the  preservation  of  the  settlement. 

It  was  an  occasion  of  grateful  acknowledgment  to  that  Divine 
Power  under  whose  heavy  hand  the  Agent  was  now  obliged  to 
bow,  that  he  had  been  spared  to  settle  these  arrangements,  and 
see  them  in  a train  of  accomplishment,  previous  to  his  being  laid 
entirely  aside.  It  was  also  a source  of  melancholy  satisfaction 
that  he  was  permitted  to  watch  the  fatal  progress  of  disease  in  an 
affectionate  wife  until  the  last  ra^  of  intellectual  light  was  extin- 
guished by  its  force,  two  days  before  her  death.  Her  life  had 
been  one  of  uncommon  devotion  and  self  denial,  inspired  by  a vig- 
orous and  practical  faith  in  the  Divine  Saviour  of  the  world;  and 
her  end,  according  to  his  promise,  was  ineftable  peace.  She  ex- 
pired on  Sunday  the  15th  of  September. 


Two  cf  the  emigrants  belonging  to  the  last  expedition  followed 
in  the  same  week;  at  which  time  there  remained  but  a single  in- 
dividual of  the  company  not  on  the  sick  list. 

From  this  date  until  the  first  week  in  November,  the  Agent  con- 
tinued in  an  extremely  low  and  dangerous  state;  so  entirely  de- 
bilitated in  body  and  mind,  as  to  be  nearly  incapable  of  motion,' 
and  insensible  to  every  thing  except  the  consciousness  of  suffering. 
Two  of  the  posts  had  been  put  in  complete  order  in  this  time,  he 
afterwards  learnt  by  the  persevering  exertions  of  only  a part  of 
the  settlers.  For  as  is  the  misfortune  of  all  communities,  so  it 
was  discovered  in  this,  that  there  were  individuals  on  whose  sel- 
fish feelings,  the  promptings  of  benevolence,  the  demands  of  equi- 
ty, considerations  of  the  most  pressing  necessity,  and  the  more 
imperative  and  awful  dictates  of  conscience,  could  make  no  effect- 
ual impression — and  to  whom,  the  moment  which  delivered  them 
from  that  coercion  of  authority,  was  the  signal  for  their  desertion  of 
every  public  and  private  duty!  It  is  but  an  act  of  justice  to  the 
deserving  colonists,  to  make  this  discrimination;  and  to  assure 
the  others,  wherever  they  happen  to  exist  in  vagrant  wretchedness, 
that  posterity  will  owe  them  no  thanks  that  the  first  settlement  on 
Cape  Montserado  was  not  reduced  to  a heap  of  carnage  and  ruins! 

The  Agent,  as  soon  as  the  force  of  his  disease  had  so  far  subsid- 
ed as  to  enable  him  to  look  abroad,  discovered  with  great  satis-, 
faction,  that  the  people  had  plied  their  labours  with  so  much  dili- 
gence, as  to  produce  a wide  opening  on  the  whole  of  the  southern 
quarter  of  the  settlement.  The  branching  tops  of  the  fallen  trees 
formed  so  perfect  an  obstruction  to  the  passage  of  human  beings, 
as  nearly  to  assure  the  safety  of  the  settlement  against  an  attack 
from  that  side.  But  the  want  of  system  in  carrying  on  the  diver- 
sified services  devolving  on  the  people,  of  whom  several  were 
nearly  overpowered  by  an  incessant  routine  of  nightly  watching 
and  daily  labour,  had  still  left  the  other  preparation  too  little  ad- 
vanced to  authorize  an  opinion  of  the  safety  of  the  place,  for  an 
hour.  The  carpenters,  who  alone  were  able  to  direct  or  assist  in 
the  construction  of  the  gun-carriages,  had,  for  the  encouragement 
and  direction  of  the  labourers,  given  up  too  much  of  their  time 
to  the  common  fatigues  of  the  field.  The  western  station,  which 
in  the  present  state  of  the  defence,  was  obviously  the  most  expos- 
ed, not  only  remained  entirely  uncovered,  but  the  long  revolving 


23 


nine  pounder,  which  was  to  constitute  its  chief  strength,  was  still 
unmounted. 

But  the  Agent  could  not  walk  at  this  date  without  support;  and 
with  a mind  shattered  by  the  strokes  of  a malady  believed  to  be 
mortal,  could  neither  decide  upon  nor  enforce  any  arrangement 
which  should  much  accelerate  their  most  essential  preparations. 
But,  from  this  period,  his  febrile  paroxysms  were  daily  less  sub- 
duing and  protracted — and  by  a recurrence  to  the  Journal,  it  ap- 
pears, that  he  was  able  on  the  7th  of  November,  to  recommence 
the  daily  entries,  and  thereafter  take  a daily  increasing  share  in 
the  operations  of  the  people. 

It  is  here  proper  to  return  to  a period  already  considerably 
passed  in  the  foregoing  narrative,  in  order  to  take  a connected 
' view  of  the  movements  of  the  natives;  who,  without  formally  de- 
nouncing war,  had  been  constantly  busied  in  hostile  machinations; 
which  at  this  date  were  so  far  matured  as  to  want  nothing  but  a 
proper  opportunity  of  being  carried  into  effect. 

It  has  been  seen  that  out  of  the  dread  of  provoking  Boatswain- s 
resentment,  they  had  reluctantly  assumed  a show  of  friendship. 
But  this  disguise  of  the  true  state  of  their  intentions,  was  too 
slight  to  conceal  them  from  the  most  superficial  observer.  Unhap- 
pily, the  chiefs  had  attributed  the  abrupt  departure  of  the  Agents 
to  a want  of  spirit,  and  a dread  of  their  power:  and  w^re  natural- 
ly stimulated  by  the  absence  of  so  important  and  fonnidable  a 
means  of  defence  as  was  afforded  by  the  two  schooners,  to  make 
the  most  of  the  circumstance,  and  directly  attack  the  settlement ; 
hoping,  if  successful,  to  be  able  either  to  bribe,  or  resist  the  indig- 
nation of  king  Boatswain. 

The  arrival  of  the  “Strong,”  in  August,  delayed  for  a while 
tlie  execution  of  their  purpose.  But  no  sooner  had  that  vessel 
sailed,  about  the  first  of  October,  than  secret  meetings  for  discuss- 
ing the  question  of  renewing  hostilites  were  again  holden.  The 
Agent  had  arranged  a plan  for  obtaining  intelligence,  which  left 
him  ignorant  of  none  of  their  movements — and  by  the  singular 
fidelity  and  diligence  of  an  individual  who  has  never  yet  been  pro- 
perly compensated,  and  whose  name  it  is  necessary  to  conceal, 
was  perfectly  informed  of  the  temper  and  stand  of  every  influen- 
tial head-man  in  the  country,  and  often  furnished  with  the  very 
arguments  used  by  them  in  their  debates. 

\t  this  time  a diversity  of  view^s  were  entertained  by  the  diffei- 


24 


ent  members  of  their  war-council.  It  was  contended  by  kings  Pe- 
ter and  Bristol,  that  “ The  increased  numbers  of  the  Colonists, 
gave  them  a superiority  which  w^ould  insure  their  success — that 
they  were  not  a settlement  of  foreigners  and  enemies,  but  of  their 
countrymen  and  friends,  as  was  proved  by  the  identity  of  their 
colour,  and  therefore  had  a right  to  reside  in  their  country,  and 
might  be  expected  to  turn  all  the  civilization  w^hich  they  had  learnt 
abroad,  to  the  improvement  of  their  common  country.” 

Kings  George,  Governor,  and  all  the  other  head-men  of  the 
Iribe,  contended  that  “The  Americans  were  strangers  who  had 
forgot  their  attachment  to  the  land  of  their  fathers  ; for  if  not,  why 
had  they  not  renounced  their  connexion  with  w hite  men  altogether, 
and  placed  themselves  under  the  protection  of  the  kings  of  the 
country?  King  George  had  already  been  under  the  necessity  of 
removing  from  his  town,  and  leaving  the  Cape  in  their  hands. 
This  was  but  the  first  step  of  their  encroachments.  If  left  alone, 
they  must,  in  a very  few  years,  master  the  whole  country.  And 
as  all  other  places  were  full,  their  own  tribe  must  be  without  a 
home,  and  cease  any  longer  to  remain  a nation.  The  armed 
schooners  were  gone; — the  tw^o  first  Agents  had  fled  also; — the. 
new  people  could  from  sickness  very  little  assist  the  old  in  the  de- 
fence of  the  place;  and  had  brought  w ith  them  a valuable  cargo  of 
stores,  wiiicli  would  enrich  the  conquerors.  The  White  Man  was 
sick ; no  doubt  would  die;  and  the  rest  were  not  much  superior  to 
an  equal  number  of  themselves,  and  could  be  easily  overcome, 
either  by  sudden  surprise,  or  by  wasting  and  harrassing  block- 
ade.” 

King  Peter  presuming  still  to  dissent  from  the  general  voice  of 
his  chiefs,  w^as  principally  thro’  the  influence  of  George,  obliged 
to  shut  his  mouth,  during  all  the  follow  ing  deliberations  of  the  as- 
sembly. King  Bristol  returned  home. 

Messengers  were  then  despatched  in  every  direction,  to  solicit 
the  aid  of  the  neighbour  tribes.  The  king  of  Junk  refused  to 
take  any  active  part  in  person,  and  sent  to  assure  the  Colony  of 
his  neutrality;  but  did  not  prohibit  his  people  from  following,  in- 
dividually, their  owm  inclinations.  A number  came  to  the  w ar. 

King  Tom  of  little  Bassa,  entirely  declined.  King  Ben  of 
Half  C.  Mount,  and  his  people,  came  into  the  conspiracy.  BristoJ 
was  himself  inactive,  but  many  of  his  people  joined  the  hostile 
party. 


25 


Bd  Caili,  whose  island  is  overlooked  by  the  settlement,  was  too 
much  agitated  by  his  fears,  to  resolve  on  any  decided  course.  He 
tarried  at.  home,  of  course;  but  many  of  his  people  gave  them- 
selves to  the  war. 

Bromley,  Todo,  Governor,  Konko,  Jimmy,  Gray,  Long  Peter, 
George  aiid  Willy  with  their  entire  force,  and  all  king  Peter’s 
warriors,  and  the  auxiliaries  already  named,  were,  in  the  last  week 
of  October,  perfectly  combined,  and  assembled  under  arms  on 
Bushrud  Island,  about  four  miles  from  the  settlement,  and  on  the 
St.  Paul. 

Througliout  their  consultation,  they  had  refused  to  receive  any 
proposals  of  a pacific  nature  from  the  Colony.  At  length  the 
Agent  contrived,  tlirough  the  mediation  of  Ba  Caia,  to  say  to  them, 
that  “’He  was  perfectly  apprised  of  their  hostile  deliberations, 
notwithstanding  their  pains  to  conceal  them;  and  that,  if  they  pro- 
• ceeded  to  bring  war  upon  the  Americans,  without  even  asking  to 
settle  their  diderences  in  a friendly  manner,  they  would  dearly 
learn  what  it  was  to  light  white  men.”*  To  this  message  no  reply 
was  made. 

The  activity  and  masculine  eloquence  of  the  indefatigable 
George,  were  successfully  exerled  in  generally  engaging  the  fight-: 
ing  people  near  the  theatre  of  the  war.  Every  day  produced  a» 
sensible  augmentation  of  their  numbers  on  Bushrod  Island. 

On  the  7th  of  November,  intelligence  was  received  at  the  Cape 
that  the  last  measures  had  been  taken  preparatory  to  an  assault 
on  the  settlement,  which  was  ordered  v/ithin  four  days.  The  plan 
of  attack  being  left  to  the  head  warriors,  whose  trade  it  is  to  con- 
cert and  conduct  it,  was  not  to  be  learnt. 

The  Agent  was  able,  with  assistance,  to  inspect  the  works,  and 
review  the  little  force  the  same  evening.  He  stated  to  the  people 
the  purport  of  the  intelligence  just  received;  that  ‘war was  now 
inevitable;  and  tlie  preservation  of  their  property,  their  settle- 
ment, their  families,  and  their  lives,  depended  under  God,  wholly 
upon  their  own  firmness  and  good  conduct;  that  a most  important 
point  in  the  defence  of  the  place,  was  to  secure  a perfect  unifor- 
mity of  action,  which  should  assure  to  every  post  and  individual 
the  firm  support  of  every  other.  To  this  end,  they  must  as  punc- 
tiliously obey  their  officers  as  if  their  whole  duty  w ere  centered, 

* A phi*ase  by  which  civilized  people  of  all  colours  and  nations- are  distin- 
guished in  the  dialect  of  the  coast. 

4 


26 


as  it  probably  was,  in  that  one  point;  and  every  man  as  fai^liiuily 
exert  himself,  as  if  the  whole  defence  depended  on  Ids  single 
efforts.  A coward,  it  was  hoped,  did  not  disgrace  their  ranks: 
and  as  the  cause  was  emphatically  that  of  God  and  their  country, 
they  might  confidently  expect  his  blessing  and  success  to  attend 
the  faithful  discharge  of  their  duty.’ — Every  thing  was  then  dis- 
posed in  order  of  action,  and  the  men  marched  to  their  posts. 
Tliey  lay  on  their  arms,  with  matches  lighted,  through  the  night. 

On  the  8th,  the  Agent,  by  an  effort  which  entirely  exhausted 
his  strength,  proceeded  to  examine  the  obstruction  thrown  in  the 
way  of  the  avenues  to  the  settlement;  and  perceived  to  his  ex- 
treme mortification,  that  the  west  quarter  was  still  capable  of  be- 
ing approached  by  a narrow  path-way,  without  difficulty;  and  that 
the  utmost  exertions  of  the  workmen  had  accomplished  only  the 
mounting  of  the  revolving  nine  pounder  at  the  post;  by  which 
the  path  was  enfiladed;  but  that  the  platform  was  still  left  entirely 
exposed.  The  eastern  quarter  was  about  equally  open  to  the  ap- 
proach of  the  enemy,  but  the  station  was  protected  by  a stockade,, 
and  a steep  ledge  of  rocks  made  the  access  difficult. 

Picket  guards  of  four  men  each  were  detailed,  to  be  posted  100 
yards  in  advance  of  each  of  the  stations,  through  the  night.  No 
inan  was  allowed  to  sleep  before  the  following  day,  at  sun-rise; 
and  patrols  of  native  Africans  were  dispersed  thro’  the  woods  in 
every  direction.  An  order  was  given  to  families  occupying  the 
most  exposed  houses,  to  sleep  in  such  as  were  more  centrally  situ- 
ated.* 

Throughout  the  9th,  the  order  established  on  the  preceding  day 
continued;  and  some  progress  made  in  the  labour  of  falling  trees, 
and  otherwise  obstructing  every  practicable  access  to  the  settle- 
ment. 

Sunday,  November  10th.  The  morning  w^as  devoted,  as  usual, 
to  the  refreshment  of  the  settlers,  none  of  whom  had  slept  for  the 
24  hours  preceding.  At  1 P.  M.  all  were  remanded  to  their  fa- 
tigue and  other  duties,  till  sun-set;  when  the  order  appointed  for 
the  preceding  night  was  resumed.  The  women  and  children  at- 
tended divine  service. 

* In  the  multitude  of  cares  devolving-  on  the  Agent,  who  dictated  most  of 
his  instructions  from  his  bed,  the  measures  necessary  to  secure  the  proper  ob- 
servancc  of  this  order  were  unhuppily  omitted;  and  the  rashness  of  the  mis- 
gpAidcd  inaivKluak  who  disobeyed  it,  met  with  a signal  punishment. 


27 


Intelligence  had  reached  the  Agent  early  in  the  day,  that  the  hosc 
tile  forces  had  made  a movement,  and  were  crossing  the  Montse- 
rado  river  a few  miles  above  the  settlement j but  the  patrols  made 
no  discovery  through  the  day. — At  sun-set,  however,  the  enemy 
again  put  themselves  in  motion,  and  at  an  early  hour  of  the  night, 
had  assembled,  as  was  afterwards  learnt,  to  the  number  of  six  to 
nine  hundred  men,  on  the  peninsula,  where,  at  the  distance  of  less 
than  half  a mile  to  the  westward  of  the  settlement,  they  encamp- 
ed till  near  morning.  Their  camp,  afterwards  examined,  extend- 
ed half  a mile  in  length,  and  induces  a strong  probability  that  the 
number  of  warriors  assembled  on  this  occasion,  has  been  alto- 
gether underrated."*^ 

The  most  wakeful  vigilance  on  the  part  of  the  settlers,  was  kept 
up  through  the  night. — But,  with  a fatality  tvhich  was  quite  of  a 
piece  with  all  the  hindrances  that  had  impeded  the  progress  of 
the  defences  on  the  western  quarter,  the  picket-guard  in  advance 
of  that  post,  ventured  on  a violation  of  their  orders,  by  leaving  , 
their  station,  at  the  first  dawn  of  day;  at  which  it  was  their  duty 
to  remain  till  sun-rise.  The  native  force  w'as  already  in  motion,  • 
and  followed  directly  in  the  rear  of  the  picket-guard.  The  latter 
had  just  rejoined  their  gun,  about  which  ten  men  were  now  as- 
sembled; wdien  the  enemy  suddenly  presenting  a front  of  ten 
yards  in  width,  at  sixty  distant,  delivered  their  fire,  and  rush- 
ed forward  with  their  spears  to  seize  the  post.  Several  men 
were  killed  and  disabled  by  the  first  fire,  and  the  remainder  driven 
from  their  gun  without  discharging  it.  Then,  retiring  upon  the 
centre,  (see  the  arrangement  of  the  guns,  p.  21)  threw  the  reserve 
there  stationed,  into  momentary  confusion ; and  had  the  enemy  at 
this  instant,  pressed  their  advantage,  it  is  hardly  conceivable  that 
they  should  have  failed  of  entire  success.  Their  avidity  for  plun- 
der was  their  defeat.  Four  houses  in  that  outskirt  of  the  settle- 
ment, had  fallen  into  their  hands.  Every  man  on  whose  sav- 
age rapacity  so  resistless  a temptation  happened  to  operate, 
rushed  impetuously  upon  the  pillage  thus  thrown  in  his  way.  The 
movement  of  the  main  body  was  disordered  and  impeded;  and  an 

^ The  number  given  above,  is  deduced  from  the  discordant  accounts  given 
by  the  kings  of  the  country,  after  the  termination  of  hostilities  ; some  of 
whom  rated  it  much  higher;  b\it  all  were  ignorant  of  the  true  number,  and 
5tll  were  interested  to  state  it  as  low  as  would  oouin  credit. 


Cpportuiiity  aft'orded  the  Agent,  assisted  principally  by  the  Rew 
Lot  Cary,  to  rally  the  broken  force  of  the  settlers.  The  two  cen- 
tral guns,  with  a part  of  their  own  men,  and  several  A\  ho  had  been 
driven  from  the  western  station,  were,  with  a little  e:iertion, 
brought  back  into  action,  and  formed  in  the  line  of  two  slight 
buildings,  thirty  yards  in  advance  of  the  enemy. 

The  second  discharge  of  a brass  field-piece,  double-shotted  with 
ball  and  grape,  brought  the  whole  body  of  the  enemy  to  a stand. 
That  gun  was  well  served,  and  appeared  to  do  great  execution. 
The  havoc  would  have  been  greater,  had  not  the  fire,  from  mo- 
tives of  humanity,  been  so  directed  as  to  clear  the  dwellings  about 
which  the  enemy’s  force  was  gathered  in  heavy  niasses.  I'hese 
houses  were  known  at  that  moment  to  contain  more  than  twelve 
helpless  women  and  children. 

The  eastern  and  southern  posts,  were,  from  their  situation,  pre- 
cluded from  rendering  any  active  assistance  on  the  occasion^  but 
the  officers  and  men  attached  to  them,  deserve  the  highest  praise, 
of  doing  their  duty  by  maintaining  their  stations,  and  thus  pro- 
tecting the  flank  and  rear  of  the  few  whose  lot  it  was  to  be  brought 
to  action. 

A few  musketeers  with  E.  Johnson  at  their  head,  by  passing 
round  upon  the  enemy’s  flank,  served  to  increase  the  consterna- 
tion which  was  beginning  to  penade  their  unwieldy  body.  In 
about  twenty  minutes  after  the  settlers  had  taken  their  stand,  the 
front  of  the  enemy  began  to  recoil.  But  from  the  numerous  ob- 
structions in  their  rear,  the  entire  absence  of  discipline,  and  the 
extreme  difficulty  of  giving  a reversed  motion  to  so  large  a body, 
a small  part  only  of  which  was  directly  exposed  to  danger,  and 
the  delay  occasioned  by  the  practice  of  carrying  off  all  their  dead 
and  wounded,  rendered  a retreat  for  some  minutes  longer,  impos- 
sible. The  very  violence  employed  by  those  in  the  front,  in  their 
impatience  to  hasten  it,  by  increasing  the  confusion,  produced  an 
eftect  opposite  to  that  intended.  The  Americans  perceiving  their 
advantage,  now  regained  possession  of  the  western  post,  and  in- 
stantly brought  the  long  nine  to  rake  the  whole  line  of  the  enemy. 
Imagination  can  scarcely  figure  to  itself  a throng  of  human  beings 
in  a more  capital  state  of  exposure  to  the  destructive  power  of  the 
machinery  of  modern  warfare!  Eight  hundred  men  were  here 
pressed  shoulder  to  shoulder,  in  so  compact  a form  that  a child 


29 


might  easily  walk  upon  their  heads  from  one  end  of  the  mass  to 
the  other,  presenting  in  their  rear  a breadth  of  rank  equal  to  tw  en- 
ty  or  thirty  men,  and  all  exposed  to  a gun  of  great  power,  raised 
on  a platform,  at  only  thirty  to  sixty  yards  distance  ! Every  shot 
literally  spent  its  force  in  a solid  mass  of  living  human  flesh! 
Their  fire  suddenly  terminated.  ' A savage  yell  was  raised,  which 
filled  the  dismal  forest  with  a momentary  horror.  It  graduall}'^ 
died  away;  and  the  w^hole  host  disappeared.  At  8 o’clock  the 
w^ell  known  signal  of  their  dispersion  and  return  to  their  homes, 
was  sounded,  and  many  small  parties  seen  at  a distance,  directly 
afterwards,  moving  oft*  in  different  directions.  One  large  canoe 
employed  in  reconveying  a party  across  the  mouth  of  the  Montse- 
rado,  venturing  within  the  range  of  the  long  gun,  w^as  struck  by  a 
shot,  and  several  men  killed. 

On  the  part  of  the  settlers,  it  w as  soon  discovered  that  conside- 
rable injury  had  been  sustained. 

One  w'oman*  who  had  imprudently  passed  the  night  in  the  house 
first  beset  by  the  enemy,  had  received  13  wounds,  and  been 
thrown  aside  as  dead.  Another,!  flying  from  her  house  with  her 
two  infant  children,  received  a wound  in  the  head,  from  a cutlass, 
and  w^as  robbed  of  bodi  her  babes;  but  providentially  escaped. 
A young  married  woman,!  w'ith  the  mother  of  five  small  children, 
finding  the  house  in  w!iich  they  slept  surrounded  by  savage  ene- 
mies, barricadoed  the  door,  in  the  vain  hope  of  safety.  It  was 
forced.  Each  of  the  women  then  seizing  an  axe,  held  the  irreso- 
lute barbarians  in  check  for  several  minutes  longer.  Having  dis- 
charged their  guns,  tliey  seemed  desirous  of  gaining  the  shelter  of 
the  house  previous  to  reloading.  At  length,  with  the  aid  of  their 
spears,  and  by  means  of  a general  rush,  they  overcame  their  he- 
roine adversaries,  and  instantly  stabbed  the  youngest  to  the  heart. 
The  mother,  instinctively  springing  for  her  suckling  babe,  which 
recoiled  through  fright,  and  was  left  behind,  rushed  thro’  a small 
window  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  house,  and  providentially  es- 
caped to  the  lines,  unhurt,  betw  een  tw  o heavy  fires. 

* Mrs.  Ann  Hawkins ; w ho  after  long  and  incredible  suffering-s  recover- 
ed, and  is  yet  living. 

f Mrs.  Minty  Draper. 

' Mary  Tines. 


30 


The  Agent  had  caused  a returnll  to  be  made  at  9 o’clock,  whicTi 
certainly  exhibited  a melancholy  statement  of  the  loss  sustained 
bj  the  little  company.  But  it  was  animating  to  perceive  that 
none — not  even  the  wounded  in  their  severest  sufferings,  were  dis- 
pirited, or  insensible  of  the  signal  Providence  to  which  they  owed 
tiie  successful  issue  of  their  struggle. 

It  never  has  been  possible  to  ascertain  the  number  of  the  enemy 
killed  or  disabled  on  this  occasion.  The  only  entry  made  on  the 
subject  in  the  Colonial  Journal,  is  dated  November  15th;  and 
states,  “ The  following  circumstances  prove  the  carnage  to  have 
been,  for  the  number  engaged,  great.  A large  canoe,  from  which 
the  dead  and  wounded  could  be  seen  to  be  taken,  on  its  arriving  at 
the  opposite  side  of  the  Montserado,  and  which  might  easily  carry 
twelve  men,  was  employed  upwards  of  two  hours  in  ferrying  them 
over.  In  this  time,  not  less  than  ten  to  twelve  trips  must  have 
been  made.  It  is  also  known,  that  many  of  the  wounded  were 
conveyed  away  along  the  south  beach,  on  mats:  and  that  the  dead 
left  of  necessity  in  the  woods,  where  many  fell,  are  carried  off  by 
their  friends  every  night.  But  two  days  ago,  twenty -seven  bodies 
were  discovered  by  a party  of  friendly  Condoes  employed  by  the 
Agent  for  the  purpose.  On  entering  the  wood,  the  offensive  efflu- 
vium from  putrid  bodies,  is  at  this  time  intolerable.” 

The  numerical  force  of  the  settlers  amounted  to  35  persons,  in- 
cluding 6 native  youths  not  16  years  of  age.  Of  this  number, 
about  one  half  were  engaged. 

At  9 o’clock,  the  Agent,  after  advising  with  the  most  sensible 
mechanics,  and  others  of  the  settlers,  issued  an  order  for  contract- 
ing the  lines,  by  excluding  about  one-fourth  part  of  the  houses,  and 

II  The  following  is  an  abstract  of  this  return  : — 

Joseph  Benson,  shot  dead  in  the  beginning  of  the  action  ; 

Mary  Tines,  stabbed  to  death  in  her  house  ; 

Thomas  Spinn,  mortally  injured  by  5 wounds ; 

Billy,  a native  African,  mortally  wounded ; 

Ann  Hawkins,  desperately  injured  by  13  wounds ; . 

Daniel  Hawkins,  severely  ' do,  through  the  thigh ; 

James  Benson,  very  severely  do.  through  the  shoulder; 

"Minty  Draper,  slightly  do.  in  the  face  and  ear ; 

2 small  children  of  Minty  Draper,  missing ; 

5 do.  do.  (oldest  13  years)  of  James  Benson,  do. 

15  Whole  number  of  sufferers. 

All  the  moveable  effects  of  five  families  had  fallen  into  the  enemy’s  hands. 


31 


surrounding  the  remainder,  including  the  stores,  with  a musket- 
proof  stockade;  at  the  angles  of  which,  all  the  guns  were  to  be 
posted.  The  fence  palings  and  building  materials  of  individuals, 
were  taken  for  this  palisade,  of  which,  before  night,  more  than  80 
yards  were  completed. 

This  w^ork  was  resumed  early  the  next  day,  and  far  advanced 
towards  a completion,  before  it  was  judged  safe  to  devote  an  hour 
even  to  the  melarxholy  duty  of  burying  the  dead;  w hich  was  per- 
formed on  the  evening  of  the  12th. — By  contracting  the  lines,  the 
number  of  men  necessary  to  guard  them,  was  considerably  redu- 
ced; and  thus  a relief  for  the  people  obtained,  which  their  sickly 
and  feeble  state  absolutely  called  for.  As  early  as  the  14  th,  one- 
half  of  their  number  were  released  from  camp  duty,  after  8 o’clock 
in  the  morning;  but  every  man  remanded  to  his  post  through  the 
night.  An  additional  gun  was  mounted  and  posted  on  the  same 
day:  on  the  17th,  the  artillerists  were  newly  organized;  and  every 
day  witnessed  either  some  improvements  in  the  discipline  of  the 
men,  or  in  the  means  of  defence  and  annoyance. 

It  could  not  fail,  in  the  state  of  utter  abandonment  and  solitude 
10  which  this  little  company  was  reduced,  to  be  felt  as  an  encour- 
aging cii  cumstance,  tiiat  Tom  Bassa,  a prince  of  some  distinction, 
should,  at  this  moment,  have  sent  a message  to  assure  the  Colony 
of  his  friendship;  and  in  testimony  of  his  sincerity,  to  have  for- 
warded a small  present  of  the  productions  of  the  country. 

Tlie  inclosiire  y as  completed  on  Sunday  morning,  the  17th; 
when  about  one-half  of  the  people  had  the  privilege  of  celebrating 
Divine  Service — a privilege  which  many  of  them  very  highly  ap- 
preciated. 

It  is  not  to  be  either  concealed,  or  made  the  object  of  a too  severe 
censure,  that  several  of  the  people  should  have  yielded,  as  soon 
as  leisure  was  alforded  for  redection,  to  the  discouraging  circum- 
stances of  their  situation,  ddiei  e were  not  at  this  time,  exclusive 
of  rice,  15  days’  provisions  in  store.  Every  individual  was  sub- 
jected to  an  allowance  which  could  not  sustain  animal  strengtli^ 
under  the  burden  of  so  many  severe  and  extraordinary  labours.. 
Isothing  could  be  obtained  from  the  country.  Seven  infant  chil- 
dren were  in  the  hands  of  an  enemy  infuriated  by  his  recent  loss- 
es. ’the  native  forces  were  certainly  not  dispersed;  but  it  was 
no  iongei  in  the  Agent’s  povver  eiti.er  to  learn  the  intentions  of 
the  chiefs,  or  conv  ey  any  message  thro’  to  them.  Add  to  these 


32 


N 

unpleasant  ingredients  of  their  lot,  the  more  cruel  circumstance, 
perhaps  of  all,  that  the  ammunition  of  tlie  Colony  was  insufficient 
for  a single  hour’s  defence  of  the  place  if  hotly  attacked,  and  an 
apology  may  surely  be  found  for  the  very  alarming  despondency 
which  was  invading  the  minds  of  several  of  the  settlers. — It  was 
a happy  providence  that,  at  this  critical  moment,  the  Agent's 
health  was  so  far  mended  as  to  put  it  in  his  power  often  to  attend 
the  men,  at  their  posts  and  labours,  by  night  and  day — tb  animate 
them  by  every  method  which  his  invention  could  suggest — and 
v.hen  these  failed,  to’  draw  from  their  despair  itself,  an  argument 
for  a faithful  discharge  of  their  dut\*.  In  this  difficult  labour,  he 
was  ably  and  successfully  supported  by  several  of  the  most  sensi- 
ble and  influential  of  the  Colonists. 

It  was  the  Agent’s  M’ish,  if  possible,  to  engage  the  kings  in  trea- 
ty, for  a peace.  The  actual  state  of  the  settlement  required  if; 
and  the  common  principles  of  humanity  must  be  sacrificed  by  any 
d'^gree  of  indifterence  in  the  matter,  as  long  as  so  large  a number 
of  children  belonging  to  the  settlement,  were  in  the  hands  of  .an 
enemy,  who  in  his  treatment  of  them  was  known  to  be*  liable  to  tlie 
extremes  of  caprice  and  cruelty'.  To  avert,  if  possible,  from  these 
little  sufferers,  the  effects  of  their  savage  indignation,  and  at  the 
same  time,  open  a door  for  friendly  negotiation,  a message  w^as  on 
the  22cl,  wdth  some  difficulty,  got  through  to  the  council  of  native 
chiefs,  who  were  engaged  in  debating  the  question  of  renewing 
hostilities,  at  king  Peter’s  Town.  The  purport  of  this  commu- 
nication was,  that  “ The  Americans  came  wuth  friendly  intentions 
— have  evinced  those  friendly  attentions  in  all  tlieir  intercourse 
with  the  people  of  this  country. — Why  have  you  then  brouglit  war 
on  us,  without  any  complaint  of  injury  ? We  are  willing  to  settle 
a peace.  But  w e are  also  prepared  to  carry  on  tlie  war;  and  can 
render  it  immensely  more  bloody  and  destructive  than  you  felt  it 
before.”  The  message  left  the  settlement  at  6 o’clock,  P.  M.  and 
' at  daylight  the  next  morning,  an  answmr  was  recei\  ed,  tliat,  “ hav- 
ing bought  the  low  land  of  Euslirod  Island,  the  Americans  had 
seized  upon  the  Cape,  without  right — that  tlie  country  people  visit- 
ing the  settlement,  had  been  cheated  and  roiiglily  used  by  the 
store-keeper — that  the  Agents  had  not  fulfilled  their  promise  of 
instructing  the  people.  But  they  would  gladly  make  peace,  if  sa- 
tisfaction w^ere  offered  for  these  injuries.” 


3S 


'From  this  time  to  the  28th,  messages  were  daily  exchanged | 
but  as  all  the  professions  of  the  diiefs  declaratory  of  their  pacific 
wishes,  were  accompanied  with  a demand  for  presents,  and  ex- 
plained in  their  true  sense  by  their  incessant  eftbrts  to  engage 
more  warriors  from  every  part  of  the  coast  and  interior,  within 
their  influence  and  knowledge,  the  preparations  against  a second 
attack  went  forward  at  the  Cape,  without  intermission. 

The  23d  was  devoted  to  humiliation,  thanksgiving,  and  prayer, 
both  on  account  of  the  recent  success  and  losses,  and  the  actual 
perilous  state  of  the  settlement.”  Two  days  afterwards,  the  most 
pressing  wants  of  the  people  were  relieved  by  a small  purchase 
from  a transient  trader  toucliing  at  the  Cape.  But  no  ammuni- 
tion suitable  for  the  large  guns  could  be  obtained. 

It  is  due  to  the  disinterestedness  of  a worthy  foreigner,  Capt. 
H.  Brassey  of  Liverpool,  who  also  touched  on  the  29th,  to  state, 
that  unasked,  and  witliout  the  prospect  of  remuneration,  he  near- 
ly exhausted  his  own  stores  to  provide  the  sick  and  wounded  with 
necessaries j and  exerted  an  extensive  influence  acquired  by  a 
long  acquaintance  with  the  countiy  chiefs,  to  disarm  their  hostili- 
ty. But  to  no  purpose.  They  had  hired  a strong  reinforcement 
from  the  Gurrahs  and  Condoesj  and  re-united  the  warriors  of  the 
coast  by  means  of  new  encouragements  and  new  promises^  most 
of  which  it  appeared  afterwards,  depended  on  their  obtaining  pos- 
session of  the  property  on  the  Cape.  Of  these  particulars,  secret 
intelligence  was  communicated  to  the  Agent  on  the  evening  of  the 
29th  of  November ; with  the  farther  information,  that  the  attack 
was  to  be  renewed  with  double  the  number  of  w^arriors  employed 
on  the  11th,  at  day-light  on  the  following  morning. 

The  whole  native  force,  accordingly,  in  the  course  of  the  nighty 
removed  to  the  peninsula,  in  tw^o  bodies;  of  which  one  took  up  its 
encampment  at  a small  distance  to  the  south-east  of  the  settle- 
ment— the  other  division,  occupied  the  camp  in  which  the  assail- 
ants of  the  1 1 til  had  passed  the  night  preceding  the  first  attack. 
But  finding  on  the  return  of  day-light  that  Capt.  Brassey’s  ketch 
had  not  left  her  anchorage,  they  deferred  the  bloody  business  un- 
til the  next  day. 

The  Agent  for  the  first  time  spent  the  wfliole  night  at  the  difter- 
ent  ]X)sts;  and  had  the  satisfaction  to  perceive  every  man  at- 
tentive to  his  duty,  and  every  thing  connected  with  the  defence- 
5 


M 


in  a state  of  the  most  perfect  preparation.  The  wood  had  been 
cleared  for  a considerable  space  about  the  town.  The  enemy  in 
order  to  approach  within  musket  shot  of  the  works,  was  obliged 
to  place  himself  unsheltered,  in  the  open  field;  and  could  advance 
upon  no  point  which  was  not  exposed  to  the  cross-fire  of  two  or 
more  of  the  posts.  The  stockade  for  a distance  on  each  side  of  all 
the  several  stations  was  rendered  impenetrable  to  musket  shot; 
and  in  every  part  alforded  a shelter,  behind  which  the  defenders 
might  indulge  the  confidence  of  being  nearly  secure — a point  of 
the  very  first  importance  to  be  secured  to  the  unpractised  soldier.* 

November  30th  was  spent  by  the  people  in  the  order  of  action^  . 
as  it  was  known  that  the  enemy  in  the  neighbourhood  were  in  the 
actual  observation  of  all  that  passed  within  the  lines.  No  pickets 
could  be  safely  trusted  during  the  ensuing  night  without  the  en- 
closure; but  the  men  attached  to  the  difterent  stations  were  rang- 
ed along  the  stockade  at  five  yards  distance  from  each  other,  with 
orders  to  repair  to  their  guns  on  the  moment  the  alarm  was  given. 
The  Agent,  spent  with  the  fatigue  of  waking  two  successive  nights, 
had  reclined  at  thirty  minutes  past  four  upon  the  light  arms 
which  he  carried,  when  the  onset  was  made.  The  works  were  at- 
tacked at  the  same  moment  on  nearly  opposite  sides.  The  ene- 
my’s western  division  had  made  their  way  along  the  muddy  mar- 
gin of  the  river,  under  the  protection  of  the  bank,  to  the  north- 
western angle  of  the  palisade;  when,  on  rising  the  bank  so  as  to 

* In  the  National  Intelligencer  of  September  23d,  1823,  was  published  a 
letter  purporting  to  have  been  written  from  Montserado,  in  which  the  writer 
undertakes  to  pronounce  on  the  measures  taken  for  the  defence  of  the  settle- 
ment, with  an  air  of  affected  dogmatism,  which,  in  an  entire  stranger  to  the 
whole  business,  appears  sufficiently  ridiculous — But  vapouring  is  the  nature 
of  some  people,  and,  like  other  instances  of  bad  taste,  is  not  to  be  reasoned 
out  of  them.  It  is  the  mis-statements  (they  deserve  a much  harsher  name) 
contained  in  this  letter,  which  I am  concerned  to  expose.  They  are  as  nu- 
merous as  the  assertions  of  the  writer  on  the  chief  subject  of  the  letter — and 
too  gross  and  artificial,  I fear,  for  charity  itself  to  impute  to  ignorance  or  mis- 
information. If  the  writer  of  the  letter  has  any  apology  to  offer  to  the  world 
for  having  been  the  instrument  of  propagating  so  miserable  and  injurious 
a tksue  of  fictions,  it  ought  not  to  be  withheld.  And  none  will  with  sincercr 
pleasure  than  myself  admit  an  explanation  which  shall  reconcile  with  the  hou- 
curable  motives  of  the  writer,  the  assertions  of  his  unfortunate  letter. 


.1  A. 


35 


become  visible  from  the  western  post,  they  had  opened  upon  it  a 
sudden  and  brisk  fire;  which  was  promptly  and  very  steadily  return- 
ed  by  the  iron  gun,  supported  by  the  reserve  field  piece  from  the  cen- 
tre. The  assailants  were  repulsed  with  considerable  loss.  Ten 
minutes  afterwards  they  renewed  the  onset,  and  forcing  their  way 
higher  up  the  bank  than  before,  contended  with  greater  obstinacy, 
and  suffered  still  more  severely.  A third  attempt  was  made  to 
carry  this  post;  but  with  the  same  ill  success. 

On  the  opposite  quarter  the  assault  had  commenced  at  the  same 
moment,  with  still  greater  vigour.  A large  body  had  concealed 
themselves  under  a precipitous  ledge  of  rocks  forty  yards  distant; 
whence  they  crept  nearly  concealed  from  view,  within  the  same 
number  of  feet  of  the  station;  w'hen  they  suddenly  rose,  delivered 
their  fire,  and  rushed  forward  with  the  utmost  fury.  At  this  mo- 
ment the  2 gun  battery  was  unmasked,  and  opened  upon  them 
with  immediate  effect.  After  a very  few"  discharges,  the  body  of 
the  enemy  having  thrown  themselves  fiat  upon  the  earth,  disap- 
peared behind  the  rocks.  Their  marksmen  had  taken  their  sta- 
tions behind  projecting  rocks,  fallen  trees,  and  large  ant-hills,  and 
still  kept  up  a constant  and  well  directed  fire;  under  the  cover  of 
wdiich  the  main  body  rallied  and  returned  to  the  attack  not  less 
than  four  times;  and  w"ere  as  often  repulsed  by  the  well  directed 
fire  of  the  large  guns;  wdiich  w'as  purposely  reserved  for  those  oc- 
casions. 

The  Agent  at  this  moment  perceiving  the  enemy  in  motion  to- 
wards the  right,  under  cover  of  a small  eminence  which  favoured 
their  design,  proceeded  to  the  southern  post,  which  had  not  yet 
been  engaged,  and  ordered  it  to  open  upon  them  the  moment  their 
movement  brought  them  within  the  range  of  its  guns.  The  order 
was  punctually  obeyed;  which  exposed  a large  number  of  the  as- 
sailants to  a galling  cannonade  both  in  front  and  fiank,  in  a situa- 
tion where  their  own  arms  could  prove  of  no  effectual  service  to 
them.  The  assault  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  town  had  been  al- 
ready repulsed;  and  the  signal  for  a general  retreat  immediately 
followed.  This  order  was  obeyed  with  such  promptitude  that  the 
most  entire  silence  succeeded,  and  every  warrior  disappeared  al- 
most instantaneously. 

Not  the  most  veteran  troops  could  have  behaved  with  more 
coolness,  or  shewm  greatei’  firmness  than  tlie  settlers,  on  this  oc-^. 


36 


casion.  Such  had  been  their  hardships,  and  distressing  suspense 
for  the  last  twenty  days,  that  the  first  volley  of  the  enemy’s  fire 
brought  sensible  relief  to  every  breast;  for  it  gave  assurance  that 
the  time  had  arrived  which  was  to  put  a period  to  their  anxieties. 

The  final  repulse  of  the  assailants  on  the  western  quarter  took 
place  in  seventy  minutes  from  the  commencement  of  the  contest; 
the  attack  upon  the  eastern  post,  was  prolonged  ninety  minutes; 
and  of  the  two,  was  much  the  most  obstinate  and  bloody.  Three 
of  the  men  serving  at  the  guns  of  that  station,  Gardiner,  Crook,  ^ 

and  Tines,  were  very  badly,  the  last  mortally,  wounded.  The 
Agent  received  three  bullets  through  his  clothes,  but  providential- 
ly escaped  unhurt.  As  the  natives  in  close  action  load  their  mus- 
kets (which  are  of  the  largest  calibre)  with  copper  and  iron  slugs, 
often  to  the  enormous  measure  of  twelve  inches,  their  fire  is  com- 
monly very  destructive.  In  this  conflict  of  scarcely  an  hour  and 
a half,  the  quantity  of  shot  lodged  in  the  paling,  and  actually 
thrown  within  the  lines,  is  altogether  incredible;  and  that  it  took 
effect  in  so  few  cases  can  only  be  regarded  as  the  effect  of  the 
special  guardianship  of  Divine  Providence. 

The  number  of  assailants  has  been  variously  estimated;  but  can 
never  be  correctly  ascertained.  It  is  known  to  be  much  greater  ^ 
than  of  those  engaged  on  the  11th.  Their  loss,  although  from  the 
quantities  of  blood  with  which  the  field  was  found  drenched,  cer- 
tainly considerable,  w^as  much  less  than  in  the  former  attack. 

The  Agent  has  often  said  that  their  plan  of  assault  was  the 
very  best  that  they  could  have  devised.  It  w^as  certainly  sustain- 
ed and  renewed  with  a resolution  that  would  not  disgrace  the  best 
disciplined  troops.  But  they  were  not  fully  apprised  of  the  pow- 
er of  well  served  artillery.  None  of  the  kings  of  this  part  of  the 
coast  are  without  cannon.  But  to  load  a great  gun,  is  with  them 
the  business  of  half  an  hour  : and  they  w ere  seriously  disposed  to  ^ 

attribute  to  sorcery  the  art  of  charging  and  firing  these  destruc- 
tive machines  from  4 to  6 times  in  the  minute. 

On  their  final  repulse  it  was  evident  that  a general  panic  had 
seized  upon  the  minds  of  the  whole  multitude.  An  hour  after- 
W'ards  several  round  shot  were  fired  through  the  tops  of  the  trees, 
in  different  directions  parallel  wdth  different  lines  of  the  coast  and 
banks  of  the  river.  In  an  instant,  were  seen  liundreds  of  the 
fugitive  wretches  running  trom  their  hiding-places  and  throwing 


37 


themselves  into  the  water.  On  discovering  the  flash  of  a gua 
from  the  batteries,  they  would  instantly  disappear  under  water^ 
till  the  danger  from  it  was  past. 

But  the  general  exhilaration  produced  by  the  prosperous  issue 
of  this  effort  on  the  part  of  the  settlers,  was  greatly  moderated 
by  the  alarming  circumstance,  that  on  an  equal  distribution  of  the 
residue  of  the  shot,  among  all  the  guns,  after  the  action,  not  three 
rounds  remained  to  each ! — Three  more  of  the  most  effective  and 
useful  men  in  the  settlement  had  been  lost  from  the  ranks  of  its 
defenders.  But  a strong  confidence  in  the  superintending  provi- 
dence of  the  Most  High  was  a sentiment  which  animated  the  bosoms 
of  a majority  of  the  survivors^  and  in  tlieir  situation  was  the  only 
rational  source  of  hope  that  could  be  resorted  to. 

There  was  at  this  time  little  surgical  knowledge,  less  skill,  and 
absolutely  no  instruments — not  a lancet  or  a probe  in  the  settle- 
ment! Its  little  dispensary  had  no  lack  of  James’s  powders, 
and  stores  of  febrifuges — but  for  medicating  broken  bones,  and  ex- 
tracting fragments  of  pot-metal  and  copper  ship-bolts  from  the 
shattered  limbs  of  the  Colonists,  there  had  been  no  provision  what- 
ever. A dull  penknife  and  common  razor  were  substituted  in  the 
place  of  the  first,  and  a priming  wire  made  to  answer  the  purpose 
of  the  last.  But  the  sufferings  of  the  wounded,  several  of  whom 
retained  in  their  limbs  the  poisonous  and  corroding  metal  which 
had  caused  their  wounds,  for  months,  w'as  indescribable;  and 
such  as  could  not  fail  to  impress  upon  a daily  witness  of  them,  a 
conviction  of  the  rashness  and  cruelty  of  placing  a company  of 
men,  subject  to  the  casualties  of  war,  beyond  the  reach  of  surgical 
. aid. 

A movement  discovered  near  his  station,  on  the  following  night, 
had  induced  the  officer  of  the  western  post  to  open  a brisk  fire  of 
musketry,  accompanied  with  several  discharges  of  the  large  guns. 
A circumstance  apparently  so  accidental  brought  relief  to  the  set- 
tlement. 

The  English  colonial  schooner,  “ Prince  Regent,”  laden  with 
military  stores,  and  having  as  passengers,  capt.  Laing  of  the 
Royal  African  Light  Infantry,  and  a prize  crew  commanded  by 
midshipman  Gordon,  belonging  to  H.  B.  M.  sloop  of  war  Driver, 
six  days  from  Sierra  Leone,  bound  for  Cape  Coast,  was  at  this 
moment  in  the  offing,  and  a little  past  the  Cape.  So  unusual  a 


38 


circumstance  as  a midnight  cannonading  on  them,  could  not  fail 
to  attract  notice;  and  the  vessel  lay  bj  ’till  morning.  A Krooinan 
by  whom  she  was  then  boarded,  gave  intelligence  of  the  situation 
of  the  settlement;  who  was  immediately  despatched  ashore,  with 
the  generous  offer  of  any  assistance  in  the  power  of  the  schooner 
to  afford. 

On  the  following  morning  the  officers  came  ashore — and  in 
their  characters  as  neutrals,  kindly  undertook,  at  the  iirstance  of 
the  Agent,  to  explore  and  ascertain  the  future  intentions  of  the  ^ 
enemy.  An  interview  was  procured  with  the  chiefs  without  much 
difficulty — as  their  w'arriors  had  principally  dispersed,  their  re- 
sources were  entirely  exhausted,  and  themselves  overwhelmed 
with  vexation  and  shame.  They  were  easily  induced,  but  n ith 
affected  reluctance,  to  sign  an  instrument  binding  themselves  to 
observe  an  unlimited  truce  with  the  colony;  and  make  all  their  dif- 
ferences the  subject  of  a future  reference  to  the  arbitration  of  the 
governor  of  Sierra  Leone.  It  is  unnecessary  to  observe  that 
having  no  complaints  to  allege,  they  never  afterwards  recollected 
this  provision  for  a reference.  And  it  is  equally  superfluous  to 
state,  that  from  this  time,  the  colony  has  been  considered  as 
entirely  invincible  to  any  native  force  that  may  be  brought  against  A’ 

it.  Providence  wisely  designed  to  render  the  early  struggle  of 
the  Colonists,  the  means  of  securing  a perpetual  and  profound 
tranquillity  to  their  colony. 

The  death  of  the  amiable  and  lamented  Gordon,  and  of  8 out 
of  11  generous  seamen,  who,  with  him,  volunteered  their  services 
to  guarantee  the  truce  settled  by  captain  Laing,  has  been  already- 
communicated  to  the  public  in  the  7th  annual  report  of  the  Colo- 
nization Society.  All  these  individuals  fell  victims  to  the 
climate  within  four  weeks  from  the  sailing  of  the  ‘Trince  Regent,’’ 
on  the  4th  of  December.  ^ 

On  the  8th  of  December  came  to  an  anchor  a large  privateer  schoo- 
ner under  Colombian  colours;  to  the  commander  of  which  capt. 

Welsey,  and  several  of  the  officers,  natives  of  the  United  States, 
the  Agent  in  behalf  of  the  colony,  was  laid  under  further,  and  very 
important  obligations.  By  the  aid  of  the  proper  mechanics  ob- 
tained from  this  vessel,  the  settlement  was  put  in  a superior  state 
nf  defence;  and  the  sufferings  of  the  wounded  alleviated  by  the 
kind  and  assiduous  attentions  of  a skilful  surgeon.  These  friend- 
ly offices  were  continued  at  intervals,  for  four  weeks. 


The  Agent’s  health  gradually  improving  to  this  period  had  been 
injured  by  excessive  exertion^  and  on  the  l6th  of  December 
entirely  sunk  under  its  weight.  Medicines  were  productive  of  rfa 
beneficial  eftect — a fever  slow  in  its  approaches,  in  a few  days 
became  constant,  and  reduced  him  to  a state  of  hopeless  debility. 

By  one  of  those  accidents  which  in  their  results  are  obviously 
seen  to  be  the  express  appointments  of  an  overruling  Providence, 
a remedy  of  the  most  singular  nature  was  administered,  when 
probably  no  other  means  could  have  preserved  his  life.  A self* 
taught  French  charlatan,  arriving  at  the  cape  at  this  moment  in  a 
transient  vessel,  oftered  his  medical  services;  which  from  despair 
on  one  hand,  and  a sense  of  duty  on  the  other,  the  Agent  accept- 
ed. A potion  was  exhibited  of  which  one  of  the  ingredients  w as 
a large  spoonful  of  calomel!*  The  Frenchman  then  proceeded 
on  his  voyage;  and  left  the  Agent  to  digest  his  medicine  in  the 
best  way  he  could.  Such  w^as  the  weakness  of  his  system  as  to 
be  able  neither  bo  throw  it  off,  nor  to  take  it  into  the  circulation,  for 
five  days.  The  crude  poison  was  then  avoided;  and  a distress- 
ing salivation  ensueid;  before  which  all  other  morbid  symptoms  dis- 
appeared. 

It  W'as  the  middle  of  February  before  he  again  became  active 
in  the  aftairs  of  the  colony.  Two  of  the  captive  children  had  within 
this  period  been  given  up  in  consideration  of  a small  gratuity. 
Five  were  still  in  the  hands  of  the  natives;  for  whose  release  a 
very  extravagant  ransom  was  demanded,  which  it  w as  steadily 
resolved  not  to  pay. 

If  any  redeeming  trait  had  at  this  period  appeared  to  soften  and 
atone  for  the  moral  deformity  of  the  native  character,  it  certainly 
was  perceived  in  tlieir  treatment  of  these  helpless  and  tender  cap- 
tives. It  was  the  first  object  of  the  captors  to  place  them  under 
the  maternal  care  of  several  aged  women;  who  in  Africa,  as  in 
most  countries,  are  proverbially  tender  and  indulgent.  These  pro- 
tectresses had  them  clad  in  their  usual  habits;  and  at  an  early  period 
of  the  truce,  sent  to  the  colony  to  incpiire  the  proper  kinds  of 
food,  and  modes  of  preparing  it,  to  which  the  youngest  had  been 
accustomed.  The  affections  of  their  little  charge  were  so  per- 

* The  writer  states  a fact,  which  he  leaves  it  to  liis  medical  readers  tocom- 
uicut  upon,  and  explain  as  they  can. 


40 


.lectlj  won  in  the  four  months  of  their  captivit}',  as  to  oblige  theif 
own  parents,  at  the  end  of  that  time,  literally  to  tear  away  from 
their  keepers  several  of  the  youngest,  amidst  the  most  affecting 
demonstrations  of  mutual  attachment.  This  event  did  not  occur 
until  the  12th  of  March  ; when  their  gratuitous  restoration  was 
Voted  almost  unanimously,  in  a large  council  of  native  chiefs. 

The  Agent,  after  partially  recovering  from  this  last  and  severest 
trial  of  a nearly  ruined  constitution,  found  the  utmost  exertion  of 
the  Colonists  necessary  to  ensure  the  preservation  of  their  property,  ^ 

health,  and  lives,  through  the  approaching  rainst  Except  the 
store-house,  there  was  but  one  shingled  roof,  and  frame  house, 
in  the  settlement.  Some  of  the  cabins  were  without  floors;  and 
through  the  thatch  of  nearly  all,  the  rain  might  easily  find  its 
way  and  descend  in  streams.  Such  is  the  description  of  the  hovel 
occupied  by  himself  at  this  time.  The  industrious  and  provident 
habits  of  a majority  of  the  settlers,  had  been  as  an  effect,  in 
course,  of  the  deranged  and  long  neglected  state  of  their  private 
affairs,  wholly  subverted:  and  it  required  the  application  of  a keen- 
er stimulus  than  could  be  found  in  the  ordinary  calls  of  duty  and 
the  prospect  of  remote  advantages,  to  engage  them  in  a course  of 
diligent  exertions.  The  store  of  provisions  which  had  been  long 
expected  to  be  replenished  by  a shipment  from  the  United  States 
was  now  consumed;  and  the  want  of  any  effective  financial 
arrangements  made  by  the  principals  of  the  establishment  at  home 
rendered  it  a matter  of  extreme  difficulty  with  the  Agent  to  make 
any  purchases  from  occasional  vessels.  He  had  already  assumed, 
from  the  necessity  of  the  case,  a larger  pecuniary  responsibility, 
than,  as  an  individual,  he  could,  under  any  other  circumstances,  , 
justify  to  himself  or  others. 

The  productions  of  the  country  had  been  resorted  to ; and  the 
few  disposable  goods  remaining  on  hand  were  already  exhausted 
in  their  purchase;  when  on  the  12th  of  March  the  welcome  intelli- 
gence of  the  arrival  on  the  coast  of  the  U.  S.  ship  Cyane,  R.  T. 

Spence,  Esq.  was  announced  by  a Krooman  from  Sierra  Leone. 

Capt.  Spence  arrived  off  Montserado  on  the  Slst.  By  the  most 
judicious  and  indefatigable  exertions,  that  gentleman  had  caused 
the  hulk  of  the  long  before  condemned  and  dismantled  schooner 
Augusta  to  be  floated,  and  metamorphosed  into  a sea-worthy  and 
t\«ieful  vessel ; on  board  of  which  he  had  placed  a crew  and  a quan^ 


41 


tity  of  stores  for  the  settlement,  under  the  command  of  Lieui 
Richard  Dashiell.  Not  satisfied  with  this  important  service,  on 
his  arrival  at  the  Cape,  he  caused  the  foundations  of  the  Martello 
tower  to  be  immediately  laid,  which,  seconded  by  the  disinterested 
zeal  of  his  officers,  he  saw  nearly  completed;  and  the  Agent’s 
house  rendered  habitable,  chiefly  by  the  labour  of  his  own  crew, 
before  the  20th  of  April. 

These  benevolent  exertions  have  already  been  suitably  acknow- 
ledged in  the  United  States  f and  it  can  never  be  sufficiently  re- 
gretted, that  the  sickness  which  had  begun  a fearful  inroad  upon 
the  crew  of  that  ship  during  her  stay  at  the  Cape,  should  have 
issued  in  the  death  of  no  less  than  40  persons  soon  after  her  arrival 
in  America,  t 

Dr.  Dix,  the  surgeon  of  the  Cyane,  became  the  earliest  victim  of 
a too  generous  zeal  for  the  advancement  of  the  Colony.  The 
tears  of  a grateful  people  fell  into  his  grave,  which  they  closed 
with  their  own  hands  over  his  ashes. 

The  ^amiable  Seton  deserves  a more  extended  memorial.  The 
bloom  of  youth  had  just  ripened  into  the  graces  of  manhood,  and 
gave  to  a person  naturally  prepossessing,  the  higher  ornament  of 
a benevolent  and  highly  accomplished  understanding.  He  per- 
ceived his  services  were  needed  by  a Colony  which  had  interested 
his  heart;  and  he  gave  them.  Becoming  the  voluntary  companion 
and  assistant  of  the  solitary  Agent,  he  saw  the  Cyane  sail  from 
the  coast  with  composure,  on  the  21st  of  April.  His  conciliat- 
ing manners,  aided  by  a judicious  procedure,  deepened  in  the 
hearts  of  the  Colonists,  the  impression  first  made  by  his  disinterest- 
edness. Seldom  has  the  longest  friendship  power  to  cement  a more 
cordial  union,  than  had  begun  to  rivet  to  this  generous  stranger 
the  heart  of  the  writer;  when  in  the  first  w^eek  of  May,  he  saw 
him  assailed  by  the  alarming  symptoms  of  fever.  The  fatal  issue 
of  his  attack  has  been  already  anticipated  by  the  reader.  He 
had  long  maintained  the  doubtful  struggle — when  on  the  of 
June,  five  days  after  embarking  on  board  of  the  Oswego,  for  the 
United  States,  he  resigned  his  spirit  to  the  God  who  gave  it 

The  arrival  of  the  vessel  just  named,  on  the  24th  of  May  of 

* See  the  Annual  Report  of  the  Colonization  Society. 

’ This  was  in  part  owing  to  a previous  long  cruise  in  the  West  Indies 
6 


42 


this  year,  witli  66  additional  emigrants  from  the  middle  states  of 
America,  with  ample  stores  and  a physician,  by  placing  the  colony 
at  once  in  very  altered  and  improved  circumstances,  naturally 
terminates  the  chain  of  events  which  it  has  been  the  compiler’s 
object  to  connect  in  this  narrative.  For  the  subsequent  progress 
of  the  Colony,  there  are  now  extant  very  ample  details  in  an  official 
form  ^-details  which,  if  they  have  in  them  less  to  interest  the 
feelings,  are  of  a character  in  a much  higher  degree  to  gratify  the 
xvishes  and  confirm  the  hopes  of  its  friends. 


